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California road trip itinerary – 7 days along pch.

Are you ready for the ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary in 7 days?! This one week guide will give you a taste of every part of California, all the way from quirky San Francisco to trendy and fast paced Los Angeles!

California is such a beautiful state, each city being so different from the rest. You can’t say you’ve fully experienced California without spending some time experiencing the wildly different landscapes and cultures.

Even though this is a fast paced road trip with a lot of driving, the driving distances in between are relatively short and include a lot of fun stops to break up the drives. If you want to turn your one week in California to a longer trip, I also recommended some bonus ideas to extend your trip at the bottom!

Okay… let’s get started! 🙂

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Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Travel Day + San Francisco sight seeing

Day 2: San Francisco sight seeing

Day 3: Drive to Monterey + Cannery Row

Day 4: Big Sur Road Trip

Day 5: Day trip to Paso Robles Wine Country

Day 6: Drive to Los Angeles

Day 7: Los Angeles sight seeing + Travel home

Day 1: Fly into San Francisco

San Francisco has a major, international airport , which means that flights are usually inexpensive! Once you arrive in San Francisco, you will want to either grab a taxi / Uber or take the BART (an above ground subway system) to head into downtown San Francisco.

This city is bustling with things to do and so much history, so I would be prepared to have a jam-packed few days in the city in order to squeeze everything in.

Since you only have a few days in the city, I would recommend as close as possible to the things you want to see so you can save time walking / driving. Once you decide what area of San Francisco you want to stay in, be sure to read my guide on best hotels in San Francisco with a view!

TIP: Have an extra day to spare on your California Road Trip itinerary?! You can start the trip in Lake Tahoe to explore the beautiful scenery before heading to San Francisco! Click here to read my Lake Tahoe Winter Itinerary !

Day 2: San Francisco

On this California road trip itinerary, you only have one day in San Francisco, which means you will need to make the most of it! I have visited this quirky city numerous times, and here is my list of absolute must-sees!

Lombard Street

This unique and winding street is not far from most of the tourist attractions and is one of the staples of San Francisco! Located on Lombard Street between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street, you can see the 8 sharp turns that cars will have to take down the steep street.

TIP: You can hike up the street to get closer to the view, but it is FLOODED with people on the narrow sidewalk. I would recommend just picking which view you want to see (from the bottom looking up or the top looking down) instead of attempting to see both. 

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is easily the  most touristy area of San Francisco, but if it’s your first time in the city, it is definitely worth checking out! This area has a ton of individual sites to see, all within walking distance. You could easily spend half the day exploring this area! Be sure to check out Pier 39 to see all the seals / sea lions, Ghirardelli Square , Alcatraz and more!

TIP: I would recommend going to this area in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy some lunch / breakfast on the water front!

Golden Gate Bridge

You can’t go to San Francisco without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge , you just can’t! This red staple can be seen from many areas of the city, but here is the ultimate way to experience the bridge…. Go to china town to pick up some to-go lunch and head over to Crissy Field (a grass area at the base of the bridge), and enjoy your lunch with the best view in the world!

After you stuffed yourself with yummy Asian food, spend an hour or so walking along the bridge and taking some photos! I wouldn’t recommend walking the entire thing because it is 1.7 miles each way and it might be difficult to find a ride back on the other side.

This photo was edited in ONE CLICK using my Lightroom Presets! Click here to check them out!

Sausalito + Muir Woods

If you want to experience the slower paced and nature side of Northern California, then you will want to spend your afternoon out of the city and in Sausalito ! This waterfront, yacht-lined city has tons of walking trails, shopping, and restaurants with beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline.

Close to this area (about 25 minutes past), you can also spend some time with the massive Redwood trees in the Muir Woods National Monument . You will need to purchase tickets online in advance and tickets cost only $15.00 per person.

The Painted Ladies

If you’re a Full House TV show fan (which, who isn’t?!), then you will want to make sure you stop at Alamo Square Park to enjoy the views of the Painted Ladies ! This string of colorful houses appeared on the show almost every episode, and now is a huge tourist site in San Francisco.

There is not much to do in this area other than see the houses, but if you want to enjoy a picnic lunch / dinner here, there is a large grass area to sit at.

There are obviously a ton of other things to do in San Francisco, but these are just the top sites that I have personally done and recommend seeing! If you want some more ideas, be sure to check out my guide on Things to do in San Francisco !

Click here to search hotel options in San Francisco.

Day 3: Drive to Monterey (2 hours)

Day three will consist of driving from San Francisco to Monterey or Carmel-by-the-sea . These two neighboring, coastal towns are the beginning of the Big Sur! You will want to stay the night here so you have a full day enjoying your Big Sur Road Trip. 

The drive from San Francisco to Monterey is just under two hours, and if you want to break up the drive while getting to see a cute beach town, stop in Santa Cruz for lunch on the beach! They have a huge pier with carnival rides, arcade games, and roller coasters, but it is only open Saturday / Sunday.

During the afternoon, enjoy Monterey & Carmel by going to the beaches, hopping around the many wine bars, seeing cannery row , or going on a sunset dinner cruise ! Click here for a quick guide to visiting Monterey Bay, California!

Day 4: Big Sur – Cambria (2 hours – full day)

This will be by far the best day of your entire California itinerary!

The Big Sur is the #1 road trip in the USA , well.. maybe in the world! This small stretch of California coastline will make your jaw-drop time and time again. I would highly recommend not “squeezing this day in” or combining it with anything else because you will want to take your time stopping at every pull out and soaking in every viewpoint!

The drive from Monterey to Cambria (your ending point) is roughly 2 hours without stopping. However, you will be stopping… A LOT. So I would plan to spend at least 5-6 hours driving and enjoying the coast before arriving in Cambria.

I have an extremely detailed guide on how to tackle this Big Sur Road Trip , which includes the best stops along the way, how long to spend at each stop, best time of year to go, photography tips and a map of all the stops to save for later. So be sure to check that out before you go!

Recommended Read: 10 Common Mistakes People Make When Traveling to Big Sur!

Day 5: Day trip to Paso Robles (45 minutes)

Here is where you customize your California road trip itinerary!

If you like wine tasting, there is a really great spot just inland of Cambria. You can either drive straight there after the Big Sur, or stay the night in Cambria and just do a day trip to the wine area. This area, called Paso Robles, is only 45 minutes from Cambria and an easily doable day trip.

I have gone wine tasting in many famous areas ( Napa Valley , Sonoma, Champagne France , Willamette in Oregon to name a few), and Paso Robles is just as beautiful but a fraction of the cost! Click here for my guide on wine tasting in Paso Robles!

If you want to enjoy the wine and take a break from driving, you can sign up for wine tours that will pick you up either in Cambria or from your hotel in Paso Robles! Click here to view tour options.

If you do NOT like wine tasting, I would still stay the night in Cambria to break up the drive and then drive straight to Los Angeles to have an extra day in this famous city to explore the sites!  Click here to view hotels in Cambria, California! 

Day 6: Cambria to Los Angeles (4 hours)

This will be your longest stretch of the trip, but lucky for you, this stretch of coastline is SO beautiful! Plus, there are tons of tiny beach towns worth stopping at to break up your drive.

I would recommend stopping for lunch in one of the cute beach towns like Santa Barbara , Malibu, or Ventura. That way you get to soak in the last hours of quiet, coastal life before arriving in the bustling and fast-paced city of Los Angeles!

Once you arrive in Los Angeles, check into your hotel and try to squeeze a few sites in before getting dinner at a trendy and unique restaurant. LA is known for being a creative and unique city, not just with the sites and the people, but with the food too! Here is a great guide on unique restaurants in Los Angeles. 

TIP: Avoid driving in Los Angeles during rush hour traffic! California traffic (especially downtown LA) is the worst in the world!!

Day 7: Explore Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the city that truly has everything! Beautiful weather, jaw-dropping scenery, greenery, beaches, culture, food… you name it! You could easily spend the entire one week in California visiting all the sites that LA offers.

There are activities for every taste, but here is my ideal day in LA that gives you a little taste of everything! If any of these don’t sound appealing to you, I have a little bonus section at the end for you to swap out activities.

Click here to view hotels in Los Angeles.

– Morning –

Start your morning off with a hike to the famous Hollywood Sign up on the hill! There are a few hike options to choose from, all different lengths and elevation changes, but the most popular is called the Hollyridge Trail . This 2 hour, 5 mile round trip hike will give you views of the front of the sign, back of the sign and the entire city! Plus, it will feel extra good to stretch your legs after all that driving. 🙂

TIP: Make sure you go early in the morning to beat the crowds & the heat! There is almost no shade on this trail. 

Next up, head to the famous Beverly Hills for an instagrammable brunch at The Ivy Restaurant. This adorable restaurant has colorful cocktails, fresh flowers all over, and a beautiful outdoor patio!

– Afternoon –

In the afternoon, I would recommend hanging out in downtown LA to see famous sites like Hollywood Blvd, Walk of Fame , or one of the many museums. Los Angeles can be very hectic to drive through and find parking spots, so I would recommend picking a few sites close to each other and just walking between them.

Rather skip the city and head to an amusement park? Consider doing a day trip to Buena Park to visit Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland!

– Evening –

After you’ve had a busy day squeezing in as much as possible, it’s time to unwind on the beach and enjoy the beautiful California sunset! There are beaches lining the entire coast of Los Angeles, but the most popular and picturesque is Venice Beach / Santa Monica Beach.

Grab some food to go from the adorable Santa Monica Pier and have a picnic dinner on the beach to enjoy the sunset.. magical!

BONUS: More things to do in Los Angeles

• Day trip to Catalina Island
• Spend the day at Universal Studios
• Go on a food tour
• Celebrity Homes tour
• OUE Skyspace SkySlide (glass bottom slide on the top of an observation deck)
• Rent beach cruises to ride down the board walk
• Surfing lesson on Venice Beach
• Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Santa Monica Pier
• Go shopping at the adorable boutiques along Melrose Ave

Click here for more ideas!

Even though Los Angeles is the stopping point for most California road trip itineraries, I would recommend spending an extra day going even farther south to San Diego! This is my favorite beach town in California and is only an extra 1.5 – 2 hours more of driving. If so, check out my 4 days in San Diego or Girls Weekend in San Diego guides for some ideas!

Okay, that’s a wrap! I hope this California road trip itinerary (7 Days) gives you tons of ideas for this bucket list trip! In this one week itinerary, you get to experience the quirky culture of San Francisco, the jaw-dropping natural beauty of the California coast, quaint beach towns, and the most famous city on the west coast!

If you have extra time to see more of California, you could also spend a few days going inland to see Yosemite National Park. Here is my 2 Days in Yosemite itinerary for you to check out !

If you want more ideas for California travel, be sure to check these out:

• Big Sur Road Trip – One Day Itinerary
• 27 Things to do in Buena Park – A Perfect Girls Weekend!
• Day Trip to Santa Barbara!
• A PERFECT Lake Tahoe Itinerary – Winter Guide!
• Quick Guide to visiting Monterey Bay, California
• Girls Trip to San Diego
• Celebrating a birthday in Napa Valley
• Unique things to do in San Francisco
• Spring Itinerary to Carlsbad, California

Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂

Like this guide pin it here.

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This road trip sounds amazing! I’ve visited both LA and San Francisco but I’d really love to do a road trip to visit the destinations in between. Big Sur looks phenomenal! Thanks for the wonderful guide!

Thanks for reading Hannah! Big Sur is my ultimate favorite spot in the USA, so much beauty in such a small stretch of coastline!

Incredible! More and more I see more about California’s coast….I’d love to come here one day – when I think of Cali I think of “big city” but not insanely beautiful coastline! Definitely adding to my bucket list!

California truly has it all! But I would say I definitely prefer the jaw-dropping coastline 🙂

It’s a classic drive … and every time we had people visiting us in Los Angeles, they always wanted to do the coastal drive to San Fran. There’s some epic bits of coastline … I love the area around Hearst Castle, San Simeon, and Moonstone beach.

I have never seen Moonstone Beach, I will have to look into that for my next trip! Thanks for the tip Jay! 🙂

I had never really considered a road trip in California, but after reading this post I feel like booking a trip, it sounds so amazing! I love the sound of the wine tasting in Paso Robles and that Big Sur road trip looks beautiful!

That’s definitely my favorite part!! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the guide!

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Nice Piece of Information for planning… Great going.

Thanks for reading!

I’m doing this trip in August with my family. We are from PA and my daughter is headed to college in San Diego so our family vacay is flying out to SF and driving the coast to SD. We are doing a night in each town to explore the state and this guide is such a help.

That makes me so happy to hear, Susan! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Hope you have an amazing trip! 🙂

[…] If you want to explore from San Francisco to Los Angeles, be sure to check out my 7 Day California Road Trip itinerary! […]

The Road Trip is the best way to take in all the sights a place has to offer. And when it’s California, it has to be exciting. I will love to drive through the legendary Golden Bridge.

Absolutely! California is gorgeous!

[…] California Road Trip – 7 Days along PCH […]

Between Cambria and Santa Barbara there are soooo many cute beach towns like Morro Bay and the namesake Rock.

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Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Also Read: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary California To Texas road trip planner Best Things to do in Washington State

California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full  Disclosure  here. Thank you!

And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want. 

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

Our most popular posts: 22 Best City Breaks in the USA The Best Things to do in New York on your first visit Ultimate List of Best Places to visit in the USA

Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary. 

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific. 

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone!  We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city. 

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma 

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping. 

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views. 

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur . 

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway . 

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history. 

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea 

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping. 

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.  

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve 

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons. 

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. 

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here . 

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions. 

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer. 

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side. 

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests. 

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace. 

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California. 

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region. 

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip. 

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park. 

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia. 

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco. 

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip. 

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds. 

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days. 

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees. 

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument. 

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco. 

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes. 

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions. 

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you. 

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days. 

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park. 

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook. 

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel. 

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north. 

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway. 

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay. 

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels. 

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions. 

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs. 

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney. 

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals. 

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching. 

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible. 

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast. 

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

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Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

HOW TO SPEND EPIC 7 DAYS IN CALIFORNIA ITINERARY FOR 2023

AN AMAZING 7-DAY CALIFORNIA ITINERARY

Table of Contents

Are you planning your 7-day California itinerary and wondering how to spend one week in California?  Then read on and will find your answers here.

California is most famous for Hollywood and all the movies that are made there. Still, there are many other fun and exciting things to do here as well and it is a great place to visit. However, as the state of California is very large, it will be impossible to see all the beautiful spots/cities in 7 days in California.

So, which places to visit in a week? Well, I have some ideas for your itinerary. Here are a few cities that I suggest you visit during your one-week itinerary: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego .   San Francisco is more in the north of the state and has a different vibe from LA and San Diego in the south, so you get to experience different atmospheres and places.

Because these were my favorite places in the Golen State.

I also have an alternative for you – or an additional day trip – but we will talk about that later.

In this post, you will find out:

✔️  How to get to California

✔️  What to pack for one week 

✔️  Where to stay in California for 7 days

✔️  How to get around

✔️  More travel tips for your California itinerary

✔️  Map of places to visit for your 7-day California itinerary

✔️  San Francisco – 2-3 Days

✔️  Los Angeles – 3 Days

✔️  San Diego – 1 Day

✔️  Extra: California Day Trip – Big Sur

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 7 DAYS IN CALIFORNIA ITINERARY

First, here are my travel tips for a California itinerary to some of the best destinations.

What to Pack for One Week in California

California’s climate is different in the north and the south. San Francisco was cooler than LA or San Diego. Depending on the season, pack appropriately – and most importantly, pack comfortable shoes . San Francisco is very hilly , and you will be doing a lot of walking in the other cities, too. Also, there are a couple of hikes you want to do.

Where to Stay

You will find some hotel recommendations for each city on this California itinerary below.

How to Get Around

Whether you do a California road trip or explore the state by public transport – it is all possible.

From San Francisco to Los Angeles , you can take a bus or train . It takes a few hours (up to 8 hours) but it’s great if you get the bus in the afternoon and arrive in the evening. 

From Los Angeles to San Diego , it is only about 2 hours by car, train, or bus. I surely don’t recommend flying there for that short distance, though you could fly into San Diego International Airport from Los Angeles.

THIS IS WHAT I DID

When I visited California, I started in San Francisco. I flew from New York to San Francisco International Airport, but you could also arrive via Oakland International Airport. I then took a Megabus from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

🚌 BY BUS:  Getting from one city to another by bus was not bad. This was cheap and all right (and I prefer buses over flying), but the scenery was kind of boring. In the beginning, it was exciting, but there is a lot of nothing in between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

🚆 BY TRAIN:  You can also travel between cities by train .  It takes more time, but the views are supposedly good. You need to get a bus to San Diego to get to the city center.

🚘  BY CAR:  Road-tripping California would probably be more fun (though also more expensive and less environmentally friendly).

GETTING AROUND IN SAN FRANCISCO / LOS ANGELES / SAN DIEGO

San Francisco is not geographically big, but due to the many hills, curvy streets, and hidden alleyways, getting around only on foot could be tiring. I never used any cabs, just walked or took the tram or bus .

ℹ️  Another great way to get around San Francisco is via cable cars , which are tourist attractions themselves.

ℹ️  Also, hop-on and hop-off buses , which I love, might be a good option for San Francisco, because they also include entry to some attractions.

ℹ️  In Los Angeles , you can get around using  buses and the metro or rent a car. It’s very spread out here, and so while you can get nearly everywhere by public transportation, it sometimes takes a while. But you can also walk often , like when you are downtown. If you rent a car, California is well-known for its traffic and its roads that are hard to follow because of changing names and winding streets. GPS or a map is very helpful if you are driving.

ℹ️  San Diego has decent public transportation , with buses, trains, and trolleys. You can take a ferry to Coronado Island. But to go to nearby La Jolla, you will probably need to take a cab or Uber or rent a car.

More Travel Tips For your 7-Day in California Itinerary

ℹ️  While I was visiting California, I did not take any special precautions . I felt quite safe, even going to watch the sunset from the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course, LA Downtown after sunset was a bit dodgy. My tip is to leave a place when it does not feel safe . Just be careful and keep your belongings close to you and practice common sense.

ℹ️  Look into a city pass, like the Go San Diego Pass, for discounted entries to popular tourist spots.

Map of Places to Visit in Cali

Check out this map – here you can see the places to visit in 7 days in California.

One Week in California Itinerary

This itinerary is divided into three parts: San Francisco for 2.5 days, then another 2.5 days in Los Angeles, and 1 day in San Diego. There is about half a day in between each to account for travel time.

San Francisco – 2-3 Days

San Francisco is often called the most beautiful city in the US, and once you visit, you will know why people love the “City by the Bay” so much. Without a doubt, it is one of the best cities to visit in the US.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world! With its iconic cable cars, bustling pier, and unique culture, it’s no wonder so many people visit every year. There are plenty of things to see and do. Visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge or explore the city’s many museums and galleries. Take a stroll through Chinatown or take in the stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or just want to relax and enjoy the sights, San Francisco has something for everyone. 

In general, I suggest staying between 2 and 3 days if you have a week in California. Depending on how you get to LA (remember, I took a bus that took quite a while), you have to plan in some time for getting there.

Where to go in San Francisco

✔️  Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or rent a bike and cycle the iconic bridge

✔️ Enjoy a boat cruise and see San Francisco from a different angle

✔️  See San Francisco Bay

✔️  Ride the cable car

✔️  See the views at Twin Peaks

✔️  Visit Alcatraz

✔️  Relax at Golden Gate Park

✔️  Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

✔️  See the sea lions at Pier 39

✔️  Stop by Lombard Street

✔️  Visit Alamo Square and see the Full House houses

✔️  Explore “The Castro”

✔️  Visit Union Square

✔️  Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

I wrote a detailed post on San Francisco  where you can find much more detailed info on different activities in the city.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Los Angeles – 3 Days

I arrived by bus in LA and discovered the city – and its beautiful surroundings. There is so much to do and see, especially outside LA, so you need a minimum of 3 days to get a first glimpse of the area.

We all know that Los Angeles is the place to be if you want to experience the best of the California Dream. Whether it’s the abundance of sunshine, diverse cuisine, or world-famous celebrity sightings, there are countless reasons why people visit L.A. From sightseeing in Hollywood to exploring LACMA and all its amazing art, Los Angeles has something for everyone.

But that’s not all – you can also enjoy the city’s great outdoor offerings. From hiking in Griffith Park to relaxing at Venice Beach, there are plenty of ways to get outside and explore the beauty of L.A.

I did have some great memories, and I was impressed with the beautiful places around LA, so it is a must for any California itinerary.

What to do in Los Angeles in 3 Days

✔️  Stroll Venice Beach

✔️  See Watts Towers Art Center

✔️  Visit LA Fashion District  

✔️ Explore Chinatown

✔️  Have a picnic at Echo Park Lake

✔️  Go to the Griffith Conservatory

✔️  See Shakespeare Bridge

✔️  Hike the Hollywood Sign Trail

✔️  Visit the Hollywood Walk-of-Fame

✔️  Take pictures at Mulholland Scenic Overlook

✔️  Wander Rodeo Drive

✔️  Visit Santa Monica Pier

✔️  Explore White Point Park

✔️  See the Getty

✔️  Relax at Huntington Beach

✔️  Do a full-day trip and see the iconic sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, beaches, and more

I have a detailed 3-day itinerary for LA  for you, with more info on the best activities

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

San Diego – 1 Day

It is only about 2-3 hours from LA to San Diego. You can take a bus, train, or drive there (or fly, but I do not really recommend it due to the proximity to LA). It’s a beautiful trip as you spend some time traveling along the coast. 

From the beautiful beaches and amazing cuisine to the amazing attractions and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this wonderful city.

Whether you want to explore Balboa Park or take in some of the city’s lively nightlife, you’ll find plenty of things to do in San Diego. Plus, it’s home to some of the most stunningly beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see!

San Diego is a beautiful city, and I liked the vibe there but compared to LA and San Francisco, I found fewer attractions I wanted to see and visit. So, while you could stay longer than 1 day, I think, with only one week in California, 1 day in San Diego is probably enough.

Where to Go in San Diego (1 day)

✔️  Explore Balboa Park

✔️  Relax at Mission Beach

✔️  Visit La Jolla

✔️  See the Point Loma Tide Pools

✔️  Explore San Diego’s Old Town

✔️  Wander the Gaslamp Quarter

Check out my detailed itinerary for San Diego to find out more about the city and what to do & see.

Where to Stay in San Diego

If you stay in San Diego, I would suggest taking a hotel in the downtown area or La Jolla, which has great ocean views.

Extra: More Places to Visit in California

If you want to skip any of these places and take a day trip during your California itinerary, then here is my suggestion:

California Day Trip – Big Sur

Big Sur is a place I haven’t gotten to myself, but I recommend it if you want to take a day trip while in California.

Located on California’s Central Coast, Big Sur looks like one of the most stunningly beautiful regions in the world. Its rugged coastline and breathtaking views are simply unparalleled.

Located along the central coast, Big Sur is an area with lots of state parks that are popular for hiking and camping. The Santa Lucia Mountains are on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, so you should have some really nice scenery.

If you take State Route 1, you should also see many views of seaside cliffs and coastlines covered in mist. Big Sur is between San Francisco and Los Angeles, so if you drive down during your weeklong California trip, you can take this road and see Big Sur on your way.

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT PLACES TO VISIT IN 7 DAYS IN CALIFORNIA

Hopefully, this one-week in California itinerary has shown you the best things to do and places to see while you are here. You can divide the days as you like, but with only 1 week, this is how I would do it.

I stayed a bit longer and created my California itinerary a bit differently back then. However, I hope you will have a fun 7 days in California using the above itinerary because it is how I would – in hindsight – plan my trip.

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Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: 7 Days Driving California's Greatest Road

Have your shades ready and a great playlist to capture the alternating exhilaration and Zen-like chill of California's most famous road, the Pacific Coast Highway. The star of this trip and your near constant companion is the majestic Pacific Ocean itself, stretching out to the horizon, as you hug curve after curve of this winding road between Fort Bragg and Dana point.

This 7-day, 700-mile road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway passes breathtaking beaches, quirky surf towns, vast forests, hilly vineyards, and cultural hot spots along the way. It is simply California at its best.

It might seem like a short route for a 7-day trip, but as you'll see below in our day-by-day route plan, this journey simply has too much road trip gold to offer the adventurous spirit.

Your 7-day road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway: the best day-by-day itinerary

What is the best 7-day road trip on the pacific coast highway.

The best 7-day road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway takes you from the misty redwood forests of the northern California coast to the sun-soaked shores of Los Angeles with a chance to sample everything in between.

Driving the 700 miles from Fort Bragg to Dana Point in one go would take about 16 hours, but we've broken this epically scenic trip into smaller stretches of driving so that you can make the most of each day. The average daily route we've laid out only takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to drive.

You will be amazed at the sheer variety of climates and landscapes you'll experience on this trip along the Pacific. In addition to the unparalleled splendor of coastal vistas and hills covered with chaparral, this trip offers the chance to explore some of California's most vibrant urban centers like San Francisco and Santa Monica.

Get ready to experience a legendary trip along the Golden State's curvaceous coast and read below to discover the best places to stay in between.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your 7-day road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

Day 1: Driving from Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay

Your first day of driving from Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay takes you south along the Mendocino coast for 110 miles, which should take around 2 hours and 50 minutes to drive at a leisurely pace.

Road trip route from Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay

Driving this whole route couldn't be more straightforward, as it is all on one road. From Fort Bragg hop on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and keep driving south.

Just 10 miles into your journey, you'll pass Mendocino, a rustic oceanside town where you can stop to explore or grab a delicious and fresh bite to eat. There are also picturesque lighthouses on your way to Bodega Bay, like the one at Point Cabrillo, and tranquil stretches where the river meets the ocean, like Gualala.

Things to explore on the way to Bodega Bay

Adorable doesn't begin to describe the small town of Mendocino. Situated between the vast forests of the interior and rocky bluffs weathered by waves, this town is full of beautifully crafted wooden homes that feel like they've been transplanted from the east coast.

While you're here, you can wander the highland trails, visit a few art galleries, go wine tasting, or enjoy a scenic lunch.

About 50 miles south of Mendocino, the 7.5-mile Gualala Point Regional Trail follows the sweeping curves of the Gualala River, through mixed forests, to dramatic cliffs and beaches along the Pacific Ocean.

If you're lucky on a winter visit, you might even be able to spot a whale. This is one of the most breathtaking trails in all of northern California.

Where to stay in Bodega Bay: Sonoma's Coast at its finest

Even though Bodega Bay is famous for being the filming location of Alfred Hitchcock's anxiety-provoking film “The Birds”, a night here couldn't be more pleasant and relaxing.

Once a small fishing enclave, Bodega Bay has maintained the charms of an unpretentious and beautiful community nestled in the seaside hills. Part of the Sonoma coast, there are also wineries and tasting rooms around where you can refine your palette with a refreshing view.

For a cozy stay in Bodega Bay, look no further than The Lodge at Bodega Bay . Sometimes this property feels like a piece of Tahoe on the coast, with warm wooden interiors in the common spaces and fire pits in a spacious patio.

It has an on-site spa, comfy beds, and free parking; few places could be more convenient or inviting after a long day's drive.

In the morning you can go for a refreshing walk in Doran Regional Park right next door, then hop on the freeway to begin your second day's journey without a hitch.

Click here to skip back to the top.

Day 2: Driving from Bodega Bay to San Francisco

On this day there's slightly less driving and it should take you just over two hours to cover the 70 miles from Bodega Bay to San Francisco. That said, there is heavy traffic on the bridge in the mornings and in the evening between 4 am 6 pm so ty to avoid arriving in this time window if you can.

Road trip route from Bodega Bay to San Francisco

This route continues through towering trees and the rugged NorCal coastline. You'll also pass a few fun beach towns like Stinson Beach before the road briefly curves inland on its way towards the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which will take you into San Francisco.

Things to explore on the way to San Francisco

The Pacific Highway curves majestically over Muir Beach which is connected via a trail and 450-foot pedestrian bridge to the famous Muir Woods.

Given that the main parking lot at Muir Woods can be prohibitively crowded on the weekends, opting for Muir beach is a great way to see some of this area's signature redwoods without the stress. It's also a gorgeous cove in its own right and shouldn't be missed.

Situated within the sprawling Golden Gate National Recreation Area, you'll see a parking lot for Marin headlands and Golden Gate Viewpoint less than a mile before you get to the bridge on US Highway 101.

In addition to being a great place to savor the last bit of the typical northern Californian coast before you switch gears to the city, this is hands down the best place to get that epic photo of one of the most famous bridges in America.

Where to stay in San Francisco: Where culture, tech, and free spirits meet

The subject of countless ballads, occasionally enveloped in fog, San Francisco has so many different facets that it's a city worth repeat visits. Here you can wander waterfronts like Pier 39 along the bay and Ocean Beach at the edge of Golden Gate Park or delve into the full urban vibrancy of Union Square and the SoMa District.

We love the Japanese theme at Hotel Kabuki . This sleek and spacious hotel is located in the often-overlooked Japantown neighborhood.

Away from the crowd downtown and less than a mile from the Pacific Coast Highway along Post Street, this accessible hotel will save you the headache of navigating the circuitous streets of San Francisco after a peaceful drive along the coast.

If you can't get enough of ramen and sashimi, you're in the right place, but a multitude of other dining options and attractions like Union Square, China Town, and Golden Gate Park are also nearby.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Day 3: Driving from San Francisco to Monterey

This is another manageable day of driving that covers 120 miles and will take 2-3 hours depending on traffic. Getting out of San Francisco and over to the coast at Pacifica will be the most congested part of the journey.

Road trip route from San Francisco to Monterey

Take service streets west to the Pacific Coast Highway then start driving south again. Just 15 miles into you're journey you'll pass through Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, both great places for a morning hike or coffee by the sea before you complete the bulk of the day's driving along the ocean.

The route heads inland for a few miles before joining the coast again in Moss Landing, about 20 miles from Monterey.

Things to explore on the way to Monterey

Just 15 miles South of Pescadero, keep your eyes peeled for Greyhound Rock. This secluded cove contains a beautiful sandy beach and jutting out from the ocean you can see its signature grey rock.

If you're making the trip during the spring or summer, stop by nearby Año Nuevo State Park to spot some elephant seals during their annual molt.

A little past the halfway point, you'll pass through the famous surf town of Santa Cruz, where you can tour a museum dedicated to the water sport at Steamer Lane.

If you have some more time to spend in Santa Cruz, feel like a kid again at the Santa Cruz Main Beach and its Boardwalk as you ride California's oldest roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. You can also get some fresh air on the trails and catch a last glimpse of coastal redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Where to stay in Monterey: land of the sea otters

A popular weekend retreat for people from the crowded San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey is a scenic Oceanside town that is filled with history and boasts one of the best aquariums on the West Coast. A little further, you will find Monterey State Beach for sweeping ocean views.

It is near the upscale Carmel-by-the-Sea and a notable wine-producing region, the Santa Lucia Highlands.

For incredible views that make the most of Monterey's coastal views, stay at the Seven Gables Inn on Monterey Bay . This well-maintained and homely property right on the water will instantly put you at ease.

Once you've settled in, reflect on a day of gorgeous coastal scenery while enjoying a glass of local Chardonnay as you take in the ocean views at sunset.

In the morning after a tasty complimentary breakfast, you can walk along the ocean to Lovers Point or tour the charming Pacific Grove neighborhood.

The highway is less than a mile away, but we recommend taking the scenic 17-Mile-Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea where you can hop back on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Day 4: Driving from Monterey to Pismo Beach

This is the longest day of driving, with the 3-hour and 20-minute route covering 150 miles of stunning coastal scenery; it might take a bit longer as epic views beacon you to stop and linger.

Road trip route from Monterey to Pismo Beach

This route consists of the most spectacular section of the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur, the jewel of the central Californian coast.

After passing countless state parks and trails on either side of the highway for 100 miles, you'll come to the cute town of Morro Bay with the towering Morro Rock staring back at you from the ocean. Walk by the calm marina, or head straight to Pismo Beach via San Luis Obispo.

Things to explore on the way to Pismo Beach

Be sure to leave time to take in Big Sur's extraordinary beauty at places like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This is of the most popular state parks in the region and we can understand why. Here you can choose your own adventure and trek the coastal hills or head down to Pfeiffer Beach with its signature purple-hued sand and keyhole rock.

Much closer to Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo is one of the larger towns on the central coast and even has a university, so the downtown area is relatively lively and filled with some great restaurants.

To squeeze in a bit of history on this trip, take a tour of the Mission at San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Built in 1772, there's a museum on site and it is situated in a particularly scenic part of town along a burbling creek.

Where to stay in Pismo Beach: be happy as a clam

Pismo Beach is a coastal enclave of San Luis Obispo which was first established due to an abundance of clams in the long sandy beach. Its warm climate and easy-going ambience make it a popular destination for people thoroughly committed to relaxing by a beach without any pretensions.

We love how the Inn at the Cove makes the best of its location right on Pismo Beach . Several spacious and tastefully appointed rooms have ocean views and you can also see and hear the crashing waves from the fabulous pool area lined with palm trees.

Some restaurants in town are within walking distance, but a place like this is perfectly suited for a night in with a bottle of a Central Coast vintage of your choice, all enjoyed from your private balcony.

It is right between the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean, so the hardest part about leaving in the morning will be saying goodbye to such an ocean-side heaven.

READ MORE - Our Guide to Pismo Beach

Day 5: Driving from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara

Today's drive is comparably short at 100 miles, which can be covered in less than 2 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to explore this next coastal city.

Road trip route from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara

On this route you'll experience more contrast between the arid coastal hills and the coast itself. After Guadalupe, the Pacific Coast Highway goes inland until you pass through Las Cruces and Gaviota State Park to be felicitously reunited with the Pacific Ocean as you continue south into Santa Barbara.

Things to explore on the way to Santa Barbara

Just as you leave Pismo Beach, you'll pass several parks that feature seemingly endless sand dunes. One interesting habitat that combines the desert-like feel of the dunes with the biodiversity of a wetland is Oso Flaco Lake.

There's a well-maintained wooden boardwalk along an interpretive trail that stretches over the lake and dunes to Oso Flaco Beach.

Around the 90-mile mark on this route, Isla Vista is pretty much a part of Santa Barbara itself and the location of the state university here. On campus there's a small Art, Architecture, and Design Museum open to the public, a campus beach along some beautiful white cliffs, and even a lagoon.

To drive through Isla Vista on your way to Santa Barbara, take the Storke Road exit from the Pacific Coast Highway.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara: paradise with highlights

There's something for everyone here in the aptly named “American Riviera.” Ideal weather means you can spend most of your time outdoors, enjoying the beaches, hiking the surrounding hills, and dining out under the stars serenaded by the gentle surf.

We think the Haley Hotel perfectly matches the upbeat attitude of Santa Barbara , making for a thoroughly enjoyable stay. Right in the middle of the bustling Lower State neighborhood, this hotel is only 2 blocks from the highway and 6 blocks from the beach.

What won us over were the cruiser bikes that you can rent on-site; the first two hours are free, which is like a cherry on top. After exploring sunny Santa Barbara by foot or by bike, this is a great place to return to in the evening and mingle with fellow travelers around the fire pits.

Delectable restaurants and trendy bars within walking distance might have you spending an extra night here.

Day 6: Driving from Santa Barbara to Playa del Rey

This day covers even less mileage but crosses close to the urban epicenter of Southern California in Los Angeles County. The 90-mile drive could take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on when you leave and what traffic you hit.

Road trip route from Santa Barbara to Playa del Rey

From Santa Barbara you'll once again head south on the Pacific Coast Highway. After passing through Oxnard, you'll swing by Point Mugu and approach the iconic hills of Malibu where the ocean is particularly picturesque.

Things will be a bit more built up as you pass through Santa Monica and Marina del Rey, both towns in western Los Angeles before you reach the relative calm of Playa del Rey.

Things to explore on the way to Playa del Rey

As you re-join the coast look out for Point Dume. The wilderness of these rocky bluffs couldn't contrast more with the luxury of the mansions just south of here in Malibu.

If you have time on this leg of the journey, we recommend taking a refreshing walk from the highway along the trails to Point Dume; it would also make a great spot for a picnic.

Santa Monica is also worth a stop. This is the kind of place people imagine when they think of Los Angeles and is a way to get a taste of this dazzling capital of entertainment without venturing too far inland.

In addition to a well-manicured promenade shopping center and the popular Venice Beach , the Santa Monica Pier is an amusing throw-back attraction that will have you feeling young again.

Where to stay in Playa del Rey: admire the sunset over Santa Monica Bay

This is one of the cutest communities in Los Angeles that most people never even have the chance to see on standard trips to LA. Looking across the waters of Santa Monica Bay to Marina del Rey, all the water adds to the tranquility of this suburban enclave.

Try a night at the Inn at Playa del Rey . Being welcomed with wine and cheese is only the beginning of the carousel of delights you'll experience during your stay here.

From your balcony overlooking the estuary where migrating birds can be seen busy in the morning, you'd hardly think that you're just west of California's largest city. Additionally, in a town famous for its unforgiving traffic, you'll be relieved by how close this peaceful inn is to the Pacific Coast Highway.

Day 7: Driving from Playa del Rey to Dana Point

The last day of driving is also the shortest in terms of mileage, yet these 60 miles can take upwards of 2 hours to traverse due to highway traffic.

Road trip route from Playa del Rey to Dana Point

The final leg of this trip down the Pacific Coast Highway passes through more urban areas along the coast like Torrance and Long Beach. As you approach Laguna Beach more natural scenery and hills come into view.

Seven miles after Laguna Beach you'll reach the famous surf town of Dana Point, the final stop of this Pacific Coast road trip.

Things to explore on the way to Dana Point

On the other side of Newport Bay, Corona Del Mar has many treats in store if you have the time to linger. Take in the breathtaking views of Inspiration Point then meander the beautifully planted grounds of the Sherman Library and Gardens, which take full advantage of the fabulous coastal climate.

Another slice of Paradise in SoCal, at Treasure Island Beach colorful succulent plants cling to the cliffs overlooking a long, sandy beach. There's a paved path along the cliffs as well as tide pools down below, so people with various accessibility needs can still make their way around this gem along the coast

Where do stay once you reach Dana Point: treat yourself to some luxury

Famous for Dana Point Harbor and its incredible whale-watching opportunities, Dana Point is a fantastic place to end your scenic trip on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Once you reach Dana Point after a long drive, you might want to reward yourself with a luxurious hotel to rest, recharge and admire the stunning coastal views. Blue Lantern Inn checks all these boxes with its stunning location on a cliff above the Dana Point Yacht Harbor.

Boasting beautiful rooms and common areas that overlook the ocean and the beautiful marina, you can enjoy your breakfast overlooking the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Another amazing day trip option is to see the historic Mission of San Juan Capistrano, just a short drive inland by car.

Things to see on a 7-day road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway

As you can see, none of the routes we've outlined are that long, which means you'll have many opportunities to stop and explore along the way. Here's a short list of inspirational, exciting, and elegant places to explore in between long stretches on the road.

• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens - Feel enchanted among these 47 skillfully planted acres with trails leading all the way to the ocean. You don't have to have a green thumb to appreciate the sheer variety of beautiful blossoms here.
• Point Cabrillo - Here you can go on a short hike from the highway to a gorgeous wooden lighthouse built in 1909 and a museum. Along the cliffs below there are hundreds of tide pools to explore.
• Manchester State Park - Just north of the popular Point Arena, this sandy beach stretches for miles and there are times when you might not see anyone else here.
• Phillips Gulch Waterfall - Located near Stumps Beach on the dramatic, rocky bluffs of the Sonoma coast, this broad waterfall cascades in shallow pools on its way towards the ocean. This is a real gem that embodies the charm of the northern California coast.
• Point Reyes National Seashore - This system of trails leading to several beaches and a lighthouse on the cliffs will take a little more time to explore. Closer to the Highway, along Tomales Bay, look out for the Point Reyes Shipwreck.
• Mill Valley - This town just north of Marin is nestled in a heavily forested valley and has a historic mill and other unique buildings in their charming downtown area. If you have the time, it's worth the slight detour from the Pacific Coast Highway.
• De Young Museum - This is a fabulous art museum located in the middle of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and includes an observation tower with views of the whole city. Nearby you'll also find the graceful Japanese Tea Gardens and stimulating California Academy of Sciences.
• Alcatraz - Also while you're in San Francisco, consider taking a ferry to Alcatraz, the infamous prison that once house Al Capone. It's worthwhile simply to be out on the water and get panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Half Moon Bay - This adorable fishing town has an old wooden pier, great seafood restaurants, and scenic beaches where you can stop and take a refreshing break from the driving.
• Bixby Bridge - This arch bridge in Big Sur spans Bixby Creek and is one of the most photographed bridges in California. There's a pullout where you can take pictures and trails down near the creek.
• Limekiln State Park - This stunning State Park combines the grander of Redwood forests and pristine beaches. There's also ruins of the old kilns accessible via a trail heading inland.
• Hearst Castle - In the interior of San Simeon you can find this ornate, American version of a castle built in the early 20th century by the publishing magnate William Hearst.
• Los Osos Oaks State Reserve - Here you can explore a unique central coast oak forest, filled with mosses and lichens hanging from the trees. With many flat and well maintained trails, this park is easily accessible for everyone.
• The Getty Villa - This elegant and expressive villa is filled with classical art and neoclassical architecture. It is free and open to the public, you only need to reserve a place online ahead of your visit.
• Crystal Cove State Beach - This clean, wide beach has a variety of activities from swimming to beach combing and rock hopping between tide pools. There's also some restaurants nearby with lovely views.

Best time to go on a 7-day road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway

Thanks to the coastal nature of this route, the climate is temperate year-round. The northern and central coast has occasional fog, but this usually burns off by mid-day.

Depending on how you plan on enjoying the innumerable beaches that you'll pass on this trip, it might be slightly more enjoyable in the warmer months of summer. If you don't plan on swimming in the ocean, then this is a truly a trip for every season.

Traveling in winter

During the peak of the school vacations hotel prices will be higher everywhere south of San Francisco and attractions will be a bit more crowded.

On the other hand, there's nothing like a warm day at the beach; so if you make your bookings well in advance and budget accordingly, this can be a wonderful time to explore the California coast.

The temperatures stay mild in California through the winter, so you can expect them to be around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. While not warm enough to swim, this means that you won't have to pack too many thermal layers.

Traveling in summer

Though winter is technically the wettest season in California, for better or worse California doesn't get that much rain most years. Especially if you've checked into a cozy hotel with a fireplace on the north or central coast, a drizzly day has its own romantic and enjoyable ambiance.

Summer temperatures are perfect in California, especially if you are looking to hit the beaches! Expect the usual daily temperatures to be around 60-80 degrees, depending on where you are.

Traveling in fall

For places like Mendocino and Monterey, spring and fall are the best times to visit. Especially in the late spring and early fall, you can enjoy some exceptionally warm days while the kids are still in school and there are fewer people on the roads.

If you are planning on making detours to national parks and forests (somewhat long but still manageable), you will get to see amazing fall colors on the trees. The temperatures will be around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are a fan of jazz, you can attend the world-famous Monterey Jazz Festival in the fall. During this weekend the prices of hotels soar, but the world-class acts that come to this relatively small town can make it worthwhile.

Traveling in spring

During spring in Bodega Bay, you can catch the Fisherman's Festival. You will be greeted with warming weather as the temperatures rise to 50-55 degrees after winter.

Also in the fall is the Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Down in Santa Barbara, there is an eight-day festival celebrating the town itself and its history that happens every August.

Finally, a fun event to catch in southern California is the LA Shorts Fest, a short film festival that is like a sushi platter of unique screenings. With all the cultural richness of California, you could make this trip during any time of the year and inadvertently run into some festivities at one of your destinations.

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Complete California Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Days

From the Author : Some of this requires taking the PCH. Sometimes, due to weather, like hard rain, part of the PCH shuts down. Check this  website  for current highway conditions before you head out.

There’s a ton to see in California. We have it all: beaches, mountains, skiing, and surfing. You can still see a lot in 7 days. The best place to start is with the highlights along the coast. While you could drive the entire California Coast in one or two days, here is a California road trip itinerary in 7 days so you can get to know this beautiful Golden State.

Happy roadtripping.

California Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Days

Day 1: san francisco, day 2: san francisco to monterey.

• Day 3: Monterey Bay to Big Sur

Day 4: San Simeon

Day 5: santa barbara, day 6: los angeles.

• Day 7: Los Angeles

Pacific Coast Highway Route Map

Below is the route. Make sure to check for any road closures along the way. When California experiences heavy rains, it can cause mudslides along the PCH (aka Highway 1 or the One, as locals call it).

Table of Contents

Renting a Car for Your California Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Days

The most competitive rates for car rentals can often be found at airport locations such as SFO or LAX. For this California road trip itinerary in 7 days, we suggest you fly into the Bay Area to start your trip in San Francisco.

San Francisco International Airport (code: SFO) is approx. 11.2 miles from San Francisco

• Oakland  (code: OAK) 12.1 miles from San Francisco
• San Jose  (code: SJC) 39 miles from San Francisco
• Santa Rosa  (code: STS) 53.3 miles from San Francisco
• Sacramento  (code: SMF) 78.3 miles from San Francisco

I typically use a comparison website, Discover Cars , that sifts through deals from leading companies, including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, to secure the lowest rates. Opting to pick up a vehicle in San Francisco and drop it off in Los Angeles is possible, albeit at a slightly higher price, but it’s absolutely worthwhile.

Insider Scoop : If you need to rent a car, we only use Discover Cars ; they consistently offer the lowest car rental rates.

With the logistical details sorted, let’s focus on crafting the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

San Francisco is a city like no other.

You can definitely see a lot in two days. San Francisco is a compact city that is easy to get around, I know because I lived in San Francisco for five years.

If you have just two days to visit San Francisco, you’ll want to make the most of your time by focusing on the city’s most iconic sights and experiences.

Begin your journey at the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s most recognizable landmark. You can walk, bike, or admire it from various viewpoints, such as Crissy Field or Fort Point.

Hidden Gem: Check out the Warming Hut on the path in Crissy Field under the GG Bridge: it is a great gift shop with amazing espresso and delicious baked goods.

Next, explore Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, bustling with shops, seafood restaurants, and the famous sea lions. Take a short boat trip to Alcatraz Island, where you can tour the infamous former prison and learn about its history.

On your second day, start with a ride on the historic cable cars, an experience unique to San Francisco, giving you a scenic view of the city’s hilly streets. This is my favorite thing to do in San Francisco; I was one of the locals who took a cable car to the grocery store when I lived in this magnificent city on a hill.

Insider Scoop : Locals call cable cars “cable cars”. We don’t refer to them as trolleys.

Head to Union Square to shop and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Mission District to see colorful street art and try authentic Mexican food (the Mission has some of the best burritos I’ve ever had).

Cap off your visit with a walk through Golden Gate Park, home to gardens, museums, and the California Academy of Sciences.

Although two days is a brief time to explore, these highlights will give you a taste of what San Francisco offers.

Where to stay

My favorite hotel is the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco , where I stay when I want the full San Francisco experience. I used to live on Nob Hill, which is my favorite spot in SF. It’s old school. Nob Hill was one of the first places in the city where the Big Four founders ( Crocker, Stanford, Huntington, and Hopkins ) built their mansions; today, they are hotels. There are wonderful old-school San Francisco bars on Nob Hill, where as soon as you walk in, you feel like you’ve stepped into the 1920s.

☎︎ (415) 616-6916 📍 999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108 🌐 Book Now

Insider Scoop : The Big 4 bar on Nob Hill is amazing. It has small, deep leather chairs, a fireplace, and a piano player. I used to live a block away from the Big 4. For someone who feels she was born in the wrong era, it’s home.

The Galleria Park Hotel Downtown is a less expensive hotel that still gets high marks and has style in a great location. When you stay at Galleria Park, you are in the middle of everything, within walking distance of Chinatown, Union Square, North Beach, and Nob Hill. It’s right next to Blue Bottle—they make my favorite caffeinated drink. I roll out of bed and downstairs to Blue Bottle. I’ve stayed several times, and this is a great hotel. It is clean and quiet.

☎︎ (415) 781-3060 📍 191 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94104 🌐 Book Now

Day 2: Monterey Bay

Next, we head south to the Monterey Bay area, one of the prettiest places on earth. The drive from San Francisco to Monterey Bay is approximately 120 miles via the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1), known for its stunning coastal views and scenic landscapes.

This route typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive, depending on traffic and how often you stop to enjoy the stunning scenery along this drive.

Begin your visit at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium , located on Cannery Row , for its unparalleled glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean.

The aquarium is famous for its impressive kelp forest exhibit, mesmerizing jellyfish displays, and playful sea otters.

If you only have one day, I say skip Cannery Row itself; it’s very touristy and is like a mini Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Instead, after the aquarium, drive down the three to four blocks of Cannery Row; if something strikes your fancy, then park.

Forgo Cannery Row to drive the 17-Mile Drive, which is a must-do here.

This coastal route winds through the stunning landscapes of Pebble Beach, offering awe-inspiring views of the Pacific, dramatic rocky shores, and verdant forests, all punctuated by the iconic Lone Cypress.

Need to know : The 17-mile Drive costs about $12 per vehicle to enter. It’s worth every penny.

If time allows, visit the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, famed for its whimsical cottages, art galleries, and pristine white sandy beach.

I recently stayed at the Wave Street Inn , one block from the water. It’s a nice hotel for a reasonable price, and I highly recommend it. You won’t stay in your hotel room in Monterey; it is so beautiful that you’ll be outside the entire time.

☎︎ (831) 375-2299 📍 571 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940 🌐 Book Now

Jessica’s Local Find

Full disclosure : I have high standards for caffeine intake. If a cafe serves me a $6 cappuccino with 3/4 airy foam, they go on my hit list. This happened in Monterey Bay, where nearly every food established is touristy, expensive, and sub-par.

I asked a local where the locals get their espresso beyond the touristy spots. A nice college student told me about Counterpoint Coffee, a few miles from the main touristy area (Cannery Row).

Insider Scoop : Buy a couple, or ten, of the prosciutto and cheese sandwiches for lunch on the road.

Counterpoint Coffee knows foam, and the beans they use make amazing espresso. They have these amazing little prosciutto and cheese sandwiches that I’m still thinking about. We bought a couple for the road—the perfect snack for a California road trip.

☎︎ (831) 230-0503 📍 565 Broadway Ave, Seaside, CA 93955 🌐 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Day 3: Big Sur

We’ve reached the crème de la crème of any ultimate California road trip journey: Big Sur.

People from all over the world visit Big Sur for its unparalleled natural beauty, with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and towering redwoods set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, offering some of the most breathtaking and picturesque landscapes on the California coast.

Need to Know : Beware of road closures on Route 1. After heavy rains, landslides can occur.

My only advice when it comes to driving on the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1, the ONE) is stop where inspiration finds you.

Check out my itinerary on Big Sur, called the Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary . There are so many highlights, that I had to write an entire post on it.

If you don’t want to head there, here are some you can’t miss: Pfeiffer Beach with it’s “purple sand” beach and Keyhole Arch, Julia Pfeiffer State Park, and McWay Falls.

Special note : I’ve traveled to Big Sur more times than I can count; it’s one of the best road trips in California. I also ran the Big Sur Marathon, the most stunning run in the country. As of this writing, 4/02/24 Hwy 1 is closed from McWay Falls to Limekiln State Park (you’re still able to reach McWay Falls) due to road erosion from California’s heavy rains this year. Check road closures before you go. I just came back from Big Sur in March. The alternate route around the closure is a stunningly scenic, lush, green drive. If you have to go around, it’s just part of another amazing journey, but it will add one to two driving hours.

• Big Sur River Inn :  This is 98 the Inn with the  great restaurant I mentioned earlier . The restaurant and the fact that it is the most budget-friendly choice in Big Sur make it a winner.  >>>Click Here for Prices
• The most luxurious place to stay in Big Sur is Alila Ventana Big Sur . It’s a five-star hotel. I have yet to stay here, but the next time I go to Big Sur, it’s on! I’ll write an entire post on it. It looks amazing. >>>Click Here for Prices

Good to Know: Alila Ventana Big Sur is for adults only.

Jessica’s Pick: The Big Sur Bakery

Full disclosure : I love baked goods, homemade, professionally made, any type of baked good as long as it’s…good. I’ve been know to travel far and wide for a spectacular one. The Big Sur Bakery is a must hit on your way down the coast. My favorites are the cream filled donut, the ginger scone, the mocha cookie, and the almond croissants. The food here is so-so, but the baked goods are worth the stop.

On your way down the PCH from Big Sur, you’ll come to the beautiful, lush, rolling hills of San Simeon.

Once in San Simeon, you can take a tour of Hearst Castle. It’s one of my favorite tours in California; I’ve taken it four times.

Hearst Castle , nestled on the central coast of California, is a sight to behold.

This magnificent estate was the residence of William Randolph Hearst, a pioneering media mogul and newspaper publisher in the early 20th century. Originally intended to be a family home for Hearst, his wife Millicent, and their five sons, by 1925, Hearst’s marriage was effectively over. San Simeon became his domain and that of his mistress, the actress Marion Davies.

I love this place.

Need to Know : You will need to book reservations in advance. This is the type of tour you have to plan for, and build into your itinerary to make sure you get to San Simeon on time for the tour you have signed up for. Click here for tickets.

What sets Hearst Castle apart is its architectural grandeur, a unique blend of Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, and Gothic influences. It also houses an impressive collection of art and antiques from around the world.

Before or after your Hearst Castle tour , make sure you check out  Piedras Blancas Beach, also known as  Elephant Seals Beach, 5.2 miles north of Hearst Castle. Keep an eye out for it. You can miss it because you can’t see the beach or the seals from the road, but it’s a special place to see California wildlife.

When staying in this area the best place to stay is the San Simeon Lodge . It’s clean and right near the Hearst Castle. It also has a pool, which you probably won’t use because chilly in this area. You will most likely be checking out the beautiful beaches and scenery.

☎︎ (805) 927-4601 📍 9520 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA 93452 🌐 Book Now

Spending the day in Santa Barbara is a lot of fun. When you live in LA, like I do, Santa Barbara is a frequent destination, it has a ton of amazing beaches.

Once there, hit State Street first for it’s amazing boutique shopping (my fav kind). There are also galleries, restaurants and coffee shops.

Then, head to the nearby Funk Zone , an eclectic district known for its vibrant street art, tasting rooms, and unique boutiques. This area is perfect for experiencing the local culture and perhaps enjoying a wine tasting or two — wine tasting is big in Santa Barabara.

The Santa Barbara Mission ,  known as the “Queen of the Missions,” is very Santa Barbara-y to check out. Known for its stunning beauty, this historic mission offers a glimpse into California’s early history with its magnificent architecture, lush gardens, and museum. 

End your day at Stearns Wharf and the waterfront area, where you can walk along the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and catch a beautiful Pacific sunset. The wharf offers spectacular views of the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, making it a perfect spot for photography or simply soaking in the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara.

Jessica’s Pick

For the best Mexican food you will ever eat, head to La Super-Rica Tacqueria , Julia Child’s find. That is a big statement because California has some of the best Mexican cuisines you will find anywhere in the world. It’s simply amazing—everything. It’s authentic and yummy. I stop here every time I’m in Santa Barbara, and no kidding, anytime I’m even driving past Santa Barbara.

Try the Tacos de Bistec or the  Super-Rica Especial for two standouts.

La Super-Rica only takes cash. It’s kind of a dive. But we like that! There’s an ATM across the way, but it will cost you a fee.

For a luxury stay in Santa Barbara, the Mason Beach Inn provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests seeking comfort and convenience close to the beach. Offering well-appointed rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast, it’s an ideal base for exploring the nearby attractions and enjoying the beautiful coastal city.

☎︎ (805) 962-3203 📍 324 West Mason Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 🌐 Book Now

For those seeking a moderately priced hotel with good reviews, the  Hotel Milo Santa Barbara  offers a charming and comfortable stay. Located along the waterfront, this hotel is conveniently situated near the beach and Stearns Wharf, making it easy for guests to explore the city’s main attractions. 

☎︎ (805) 965-4577 📍 202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 🌐 Book Now

Ahh, La La Land. Anything is possible in Los Angeles, and there are many unique experiences.

I love Los Angeles and have lived here almost my entire adult life; something unexpected and extraordinary awaits you.

Since you can do so many things in Los Angeles, your itinerary will depend on what you want: time on its many beaches, a celebrity-filled Hollywood adventure, amazing hiking or museums, restaurants, amusement parks, and cafes.

We have everything. You can surf on the first of your two days and ski on the next.

I’ll list some of my favorite and popular things to do, and then you will be more informed about what to do in Los Angeles.

In two days in Los Angeles, visitors should aim to capture the essence of the city by exploring its iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene.

Start your journey in Hollywood, where you can stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to spot the stars of your favorite entertainers, then head to the TCL Chinese Theatre to see the handprints and footprints of movie legends.

Take a short hike up to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and a closer look at the Hollywood Sign. The Observatory also offers fascinating exhibits on space and science, making it both an educational and scenic spot.

The hike up to the Observatory will only take about an hour. I used to live in Atwater Village and did the hike at least three times a week with my dog.

While you are over by the Observatory, hit the best lunch spot in LA, Dune , for the best Mediterranean food imaginable. Dune is my favorite restaurant on Glendale Blvd and across the street from where I used to live. I get the hummus plate or the grilled chicken souvlaki sandwich (oh god, my mouth just watered as I wrote this).

The last time I was at Dune, I saw Adele outside waiting for her order with her little dog. She was wearing a huge hat and sunglasses, no one recognized her.

☎︎ (323) 486-7073 📍 3143 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039  🌐 Visit Website

After lunch, check out the amazing boutiques on this block of Glendale Blvd.

Across the street from Dune is possibly home to the best morning bun in existence at Proof Bakery (I was their first customer, and now a line forms around the block). You have to grab a baked good or prosciutto sandwich from here. Everything is fantastic. The chocolate-chip cookie with salt sprinkled on top is another stand-out.

When I lived in Atwater, Kristen Wig and I were the only ones in Proof one morning getting baked goods as soon as they opened. This was before the hipsters from Silver Lake found it. I had it all to my self for a good six months, but word quickly spread.

Another time, it was Mandy Moore and me ready to order as soon as they opened.

☎︎ (323) 664-8633 📍 3156 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 🌐 Visit Website

For a deep dive into what to pack for a California road trip, check out our, California Road Trip Essentials: Your Ultimate List

Day 7: Los Angeles to San Francisco

On your second day, venture to the coastal areas of Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Santa Monica offers a classic beach town experience with its famous pier and amusement park, which provides a nostalgic seaside atmosphere.

Venice Beach, known for its bohemian spirit, invites you to enjoy its eclectic Ocean Front Walk, where street performers, vendors, and muscle beachgoers showcase the diversity of Los Angeles’ cultures. There is nothing more LA than Venice Beach.

Fit in like a local, rent a bike in either Venice or Santa Monica, and ride on the path that goes along the beach. There are so many great places to shop in Santa Monica and Venice, like Abbot Kinney Boulevard, for some of the best clothes you will find anywhere in the city.

For the best chance of running into celebrities, visit West Hollywood, not Beverly Hills. WeHo is also a fun place to stay; it sits below the Sunset Strip and the Hollywood Hills.

The Pendry WEHO  is strategically located on Sunset Blvd, right in the middle of the action. As one of my favorite hotels, it offers a unique experience of sitting at the bar with friends, enjoying a panoramic view of Sunset Strip on one side and DTLA on the other.

However, if you prefer a quieter location with easier parking, the Pendry may not be the best choice for you.

In that case, I would recommend considering Santa Monica or Pasadena.

Every inch of the Pendry is beautiful. The hotel boasts a chic and minimalistic design emphasizing neutral colors and natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather. The pool and bar area on top of the hotel is stunning.

California Road Trip Itinerary: 7 Days Comes to an End

On your last day of your 7 day California road trip intinerary, you’ll drive back to the San Francisco International Airport (code: SFO) to drop off your rental car and head home! The 5 is an easy shot from Los Angeles to San Francisco and will take about 6-7 hours depending on traffic (I’ve made it in 5, but traffic has to cooperate, and it rarely does in California).

You could also fly out of Los Angeles International Airport (code: LAX) so you have more time to spend in sprawling LA.

If your flight is early, you may want to drive back to San Francisco the night before so you don’t have to wake up at midnight to get back.

Happy travels!

California Travel Planning Guide

🚑 should i buy travel insurance for california.

100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

💦 Can you drink the water in California?

Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Californi a?

Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)

🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?

For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.

🧳 What do I pack for California?

Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.

🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?

For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

Jessica Iler is the founder of California Girl Travels. She is a writer and entrepreneur working in the creator economy since 2016, building websites, writing for Medium.com, and helping others become writers. She is on a mission to help entrepreneurs make money online and travel the world while doing it.

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The Best 7-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

It’s no secret that a road trip is the best way to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity that California has to offer! I’ve done a few different California road trips over the past few years that have taken me from the lowest point in North America (located in Death Valley National Park) to granite giants like Half Dome and El Capitan (located in Yosemite National Park). For me, the biggest struggle is always deciding where to go because there are so many options.

I still have several California road trips on my bucket list (cough cough the Pacific Coast Highway), but I loved every minute of my recent trip to California’s Sierra Nevada. In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to pull off a successful California road trip itinerary in 7 days. This Sierra Nevada itinerary includes stunning vineyards and delicious wine, unforgettable hikes, charming historic towns, scenic drives, unique experiences, and more!

Visit California sponsored this post. All opinions expressed here are my own.

7-Day California Road Trip Itinerary 

If you plan to fly into California for this trip, renting a car is your best option for getting around. I recommend booking your car rental in advance to streamline to process when you get to the airport so you can hit the road ASAP. I generally use KAYAK.com to find the best deals on car rentals regardless of where I’m going!

California Road Trip Map

When to Road Trip in California

There’s no wrong time to plan a 7-day road trip itinerary in California because the state is so diverse. That being said, the time of year is a big factor to take into consideration when planning a trip. This particular itinerary is best suited for a late spring or summer trip due to potential road closures in the winter months and even into early spring. 

If you’re trying to plan a California road trip during the cooler months, consider a Southern California road trip! Death Valley National Park is a great spot to visit during the off-season.

Day 1: Arrive in Sacramento & Head Toward the Sierra Foothills

Your California road trip starts at the Sacramento Airport, which is where I recommend flying into for this itinerary. From there, you can pick up your rental car and get going! There’s an REI (along with various other retailers) in Sacramento in case you need to pick up any last-minute items or rent gear like snowshoes and trekking poles.

To get to Murphys (your first stop), you’ll embark on a two-hour drive heading southeast from Sacramento toward the Sierra Foothills. Murphys is a charming little town located in Calaveras County that is known for its wine scene and gold rush history . 

Travel days can be exhausting, so I suggest taking it easy on your first afternoon in Murphys. If you’re up for it, go for a stroll around town (it’s not big!) and pop into some of the unique shops like The Spice Tin and the Marisolio Tasting Bar. Then, grab dinner and get some rest!

Where to eat

• Dinner: On your first night, stop by V Restaurant, Bistro & Bar for fresh yet creative cuisine, great drinks, and amazing service. I was a big fan of the calamari and shrimp appetizer as well as the pasta dish I ordered! The atmosphere on the patio combined with a glass of red wine was just what I needed after a long travel day.

Where to stay

I highly recommend staying at the Dunbar House while in Murphys! I’m a sucker for bed and breakfasts because they always have the best vibes. The Dunbar House feels luxurious yet cozy and is in an amazing location! It’s off the main street, which can get a little loud at night, but is still close enough to everything that you’re within walking distance.

Day 2: Explore Calaveras Big Trees State Park & Spend the Afternoon Wine Tasting

Start your first full day in California at Calaveras Big Trees State Park to see some of the largest trees in the world ! FYI – There is an entry fee of $10 per vehicle. The state park is just 15 miles from Murphys, but the weather can change drastically due to the differences in elevation. Make sure you’re prepared! The trail was still covered in several feet of snow when I visited in late March despite there being no snow on the ground in Murphys.

At 1.7 miles roundtrip, the North Grove Trail is a great, easygoing option for marveling at the giant sequoia trees. If you’re up for more of a challenge or want to add more mileage, check out additional hiking options in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. 

After exploring, head back to Murphys for brunch and then spend the afternoon diving into Calaveras County’s wine scene. Make your way to Ironstone Vineyard and Newsome Harlow’s tasting room before grabbing sushi for dinner in downtown Murphys. 

P.S. – If you’re into small-batch spirits and creative cocktails, you must add Hinterhaus Distillery to your itinerary while in Calaveras County! I’m not usually big on spirits, but I really enjoyed stopping by the Hinterhaus tasting room. Everyone there was so kind and knowledgeable. I didn’t know what to order, but they were super helpful at making recommendations. I tried a gin and tonic, which was almost too pretty to drink, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it!

• Brunch: I cannot recommend the breakfast burrito from Grounds Restaurant enough! Eggs, cheese, tomatillo sauce, sour cream, and fresh salsa… need I say more?!
• Dinner: To be completely honest, I didn’t have high standards for a sushi spot in a small town like Murphys, but a local recommended Doke Sushi to me, so I decided to give it a shot! And I am SO glad I went. Everything from the poke nachos to the sushi was absolutely delicious – and it’s right beside Newsome Harlow’s tasting room!

You can stay at the Dunbar House for an additional night or switch things up and try another lodging option in Murphys. The Victoria Inn and Murphys Historic Hotel are two popular spots right in the heart of downtown Murphys.

Day 3: Immerse Yourself in California’s Gold Rush History 

Wrap up your time in Murphys by grabbing breakfast at Aria and then head over to historic Columbia and spend some time exploring Columbia State Historic Park and immersing yourself in the area’s gold rush history. 

Columbia, which is in Tuolumne County , is just 20 minutes from Murphys. Tuolumne County is divided into three main regions – Yosemite ( over half of Yosemite National Park is in Tuolumne County! ), Gold County, and High Sierra. If you follow this 7-day California road trip itinerary, you’ll experience all three areas!

Columbia might be best known as a historic town, but it’s actually an excellent spot for bouldering! Go bouldering with Golden Chain Climbing Gear if you want to do something adventurous while in Columbia. I’d been rock climbing before but never bouldering and had the best time! It wasn’t as scary as I expected, and I really enjoyed trying something new.

• Breakfast: Start your day with coffee and a breakfast pastry from Aria before heading over to Columbia! 
• Lunch: While walking around Columbia State Historic Park, grab lunch at St Charles Saloon . They have delicious and unique specialty pizzas! The BBQ chicken pizza was SO good (10/10 would recommend)!
• Dinner: Located in downtown Sonora (within walking distance of Hotel Lumberjack) is one of Sonora’s best restaurants – Emberz ! They have tons of options ranging from pizza and pasta dishes (the lobster mac & cheese was delicious!) to steak and seafood. Whatever you do, make sure you save room for dessert because their brownie sundae is amazing! 

Located in Sonora, Hotel Lumberjack is an excellent place to base your stay while adventuring in Tuolumne County! The hotel isn’t overly fancy, but the rooms are modern and clean. I loved the fact that it’s within walking distance of cute shops and restaurants in downtown Sonora.

Day 4: Ski or Snowboard at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort

I suggest dedicating the fourth day of your California road trip to exploring Tuolumne County’s High Sierra region. I was there in March, which was an excellent time for skiing and snowboarding at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort . 

Make sure to get to Dodge Ridge early as it can get crowded on weekends if you can’t make it to the resort on a weekday. Nonetheless, it’s an awesome resort with affordable prices and a variety of runs. I took a snowboarding lesson (this was only my second time snowboarding) and my instructor was great! I felt so much more confident after our time together.

If you visit Tuolumne County during the warmer months, there will be even more things to do in the High Sierras – mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and fishing are just a few examples! Within the Stanislaus National Forest are 78 lakes, 811 miles of streams and rivers, and over 1,000 miles of hiking trails. This area is an outdoor lover’s paradise! 

An ionic foot soak at Amala Detox Lounge in downtown Sonora will feel absolutely incredible after a long day of being outside. I had never done anything like this before but really enjoyed the experience. The entire process takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and I promise you’ll walk out feeling like a different person. Make sure to schedule an appointment online in advance if you want to give it a try!

• Breakfast: Walk from Hotel Lumberjack to Revive Coffee for a yummy breakfast and some coffee before heading out for a day full of adventures! 
• Lunch: If you’ll be out and about for the day doing outdoor activities, you may want to pack a lunch. Check out Diamondback Grill for a salad, sandwich, or burger if you’ll be in downtown Sonora around lunchtime. 
• Dinner: Right across the street from Hotel Lumberjack you’ll find an unassuming Mexican restaurant named El Arroyo . This might’ve been my favorite place we ate throughout the entire trip (although I will admit I am partial to Mexican food) – the tacos and service were excellent! 

Hotel options in downtown Sonora are pretty limited, so I recommend spending another evening at Hotel Lumberjack . I always like spending at least two nights at any given destination so I don’t feel super rushed. Alternatively, you could camp in Stanislaus National Forest if you want to be adventurous!

Day 5: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir with ECHO Cooperative (Yosemite National Park!)

If you want to explore Yosemite without the crowds , you need to visit the Yosemite region of Tuolumne County! Hetch Hetchy and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are two spots worth adding to your list. 

I’ve explored a sizable number of U.S. National Parks but still get intimidated when visiting new places sometimes. As a result, I’ve done guided hikes in national parks on multiple occasions. I highly recommend it, especially for solo travelers but it’s a great experience for groups too! ECHO Adventure Cooperative operates a variety of guided experiences in Yosemite ranging from day hikes to longer backpacking trips.

We were supposed to hike in the Hetch Hetchy area with our guide from ECHO Adventure Cooperative (who was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the area), however, the weather did not want to cooperate! Unfortunately, road closures prevented us from being able to hike in this part of Yosemite. No doubt I will be back to see the area in the future!

After exploring the Yosemite region of Tuolumne County, it’s time to head to Yosemite Valley! You’re in for a TREAT if you’ve never been before. I hadn’t been to Yosemite prior to this trip, but I had heard so much about it and seen countless videos. Driving into the valley was everything I imagined and more! It’s a really special experience.

Remember to grab an America the Beautiful Pass to cover your entrance fee to Yosemite National Park (and all other US national parks for one year from the date of purchase)! The annual pass for national parks is well worth the $80 because it saves you from paying $20-35 per vehicle to get into most parks. California alone has 9 national parks including Yosemite!

• Breakfast: I recommend grabbing breakfast in Sonora before heading out for Yosemite. Willow Wisp Café has a variety of delicious and affordable breakfast options ranging from omelettes to pancakes.
• Lunch: If you go on a guided hike with ECHO Adventure Cooperative, you can opt to have lunch included. Otherwise, I’d plan to pack your own lunch if you’re going to explore on your own! 
• Dinner: The Mountain Room is a great spot to have dinner in Yosemite Valley. It’s a bit more upscale (think steak, fish, etc.) and reservations are necessary. I tried both the filet and salmon since we ate here two nights in a row and was pleased with both dishes! 

Take full advantage of your time in the valley by staying inside the park! Yosemite Valley Lodge is in an amazing location and many of the rooms have incredible views from their balconies. The rooms are a bit rustic, but that’s to be expected in a national park. As I mentioned, the location is the main draw to this spot!

Day 6: Valley Floor Tour, Lower Yosemite Falls & Upper Yosemite Falls (Yosemite National Park!)

Your sixth day is a full day in Yosemite Valley – how exciting! I recommend spending the day hiking and sightseeing in the valley. After breakfast, start your day with a Valley Floor Tour (a guided bus tour) to learn helpful information such as the park’s history and significant landmarks. Your driver will narrate throughout the tour and stop at some key spots to let you off the bus to take photos! The Valley Floor tour lasts approximately two hours. 

You might want to grab lunch after your Valley Floor Tour before spending the afternoon hiking. Alternatively, you could swap things around and hike in the morning then do your Valley Floor Tour in the afternoon! Either way, there are some epic hikes in Yosemite Valley that you don’t want to miss. 

Lower Yosemite Falls (easy), Upper Yosemite Falls (moderate to strenuous), and Half Dome (strenuous) are some great options for hiking! If you decide to hike on one of the moderate to strenuous trails, make sure you’ve done extensive research so that you know what you’re getting yourself into (and whether you need a permit) and that you’re prepared with the Ten Essentials !

By the end of the day, you’ll probably be exhausted from all the exploring you’ve done! Grab a quick dinner, maybe spend some time on your balcony at the lodge, and then head to bed to prepare for a travel day tomorrow.

• Breakfast: Degnan’s Kitchen serves bagels and breakfast sandwiches and has a little coffee shop inside! Alternatively, you could grab breakfast items from the Village Store . 
• Lunch: If you’re not out on a hike, try Curry Village Pizza Deck for lunch! Otherwise, you might want to grab lunch stuff from the Village Store in the morning to take with you on your hike. 
• Dinner: For drinks and a burger or tacos, check out Bar 1899 in Curry Village. It’s a lot more low-key than The Mountain Room and a great place to grab a bite to eat after being out all day!

I highly recommend spending at least two nights at Yosemite Valley Lodge !

Day 7: Depart From Yosemite & Drive Back to Sacramento

On your last day, you’ll drive back to the Sacramento airport to drop off your rental car and head home! It’s quite a drive from Yosemite Valley to the airport (around 4 hours), so make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare to get there before your flight. 

If your flight is early, you may want to drive back to Sacramento the night before so you don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to get back. There are plenty of lodging options in Sacramento !

Have you been to any of the destinations on this 7-day California road trip itinerary? If so, let me know in the comments! Finally crossing Yosemite off my bucket list was an amazing experience, but I also really enjoyed the time I spent exploring and trying new things in Calaveras County and Tuolumne County.

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The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 8, 2024

This California road trip itinerary will take you along incredible the famous Pacific Coast highway, through deserts, and around lakes and mountains. It is one of the most diverse road trips you can take in the United States.

We have personally driven these roads and highways on different road trips in California and we visited all the sights recommended. This two week itinerary can easily be mixed and matched to create different California road trips as long or short as you like.

California Road Trip Itinerary

Make sure to download your Pacific Coast highway Self Drive tour before embarking on your California road trip. Explore the California Coast at your own pace as you follow the app to discover monuments, towns, and points of interest along the route. It will track your route and play automatically to tell you about your stops as you drive from Monterey to Pismo Beach.

Table of Contents

California Road Trip Map

1. San Francisco – 2 Days

We’ve planned the initial stage of our California road trip itinerary from San Francisco . It is easy to fly into from all major hubs and car rentals can be picked up directly at the airport. Plus, traffic in San Francisco isn’t as congested as it is in Los Angeles making it the perfect start for any California road trip itinerary.

Spending two days in San Francisco will give you the chance to see all the iconic sites like the incredible Golden Gate Bridge before moving South. We have an excellent 72 hours in San Francisco guide where you can plan your entire stay in San Francisco .

• Tip: When we visited San Francisco for the first time, we bought a  City Pass  and explored all the neighborhoods by bus. It was a great way to get acquainted with the layout of the city and have the option to hop on and hop off whenever we wanted with a 24 or 48-hour pass.
• Click here to search all the car rental agencies and get the best price for your California Road Trip!

Things to do in San Francisco

• San Francisco Cable Car
• Golden Gate Park – one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• The Painted Ladies – made famous by Full House
• Hippie district of Haight Ashbury and China Town
• Palace of the arts
• See our complete guide to the Best Hikes in San Francisco

Make sure to get out on the Bay to see the city when in San Francisco, this Golden Gate Bay Cruise let’s you see many of San Francisco’s top attractions. You’ll cruise along the waterfront, sail under the Golden Gate Bay Bridge, go around Alcatraz and see the former hippy enclave of Sausalito. Whatch for marine life such as sea lions, dolphins and whales as you cruise the Marin Headlands wildlife reserves.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors to San Francisco, we suggest staying near Fisherman’s Wharf. You will be close to all the iconic places in the city.

• Luxury: Argonaut Hotel – A 4-star hotel located next to the SF Maritime National Historic Park for about $300 per night. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Pier 2620 Hotel – This eco-friendly hotel is close to the beach. It is a new and modern design, with a fitness center. $200 per night TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Budget: Hotel Zephyr – This boutique has nautical-themed rooms, central, near Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Read our full guide for San Francisco Neighborhoods and Accommodation Where to Stay in San Francisco 

2. Monterey / Carmel By the Sea – 1 Day

Drive just 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco to Monterrey

After leaving San Francisco, we make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey. You can stay either stay in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea. Monterey and Carmel by the Sea are only 10 minutes from each other. We stayed at Carmel by the Sea and it was a great location to get around Big Sur.

When visiting Monterey, you’ll want to get out on the water as it is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This Monterey Bay tour departs from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to set sail for some whale watching. You’ll see Californian Sea Lions basking in the harbor as you pass Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Things to See and Do

• Cycling 17 Mile Drive – If there is one thing to do in Carmel before moving on, you must take a tour of 17-Mile Drive. We had a blast on e-Bikes with Big Sur Adventures . Read about our full experience at 17-Mile Drive – California’s Most Scenic Drive. 
• Cannery Row – The Historic Cannery Row has been transformed from old warehouses to colorful buildings lining the waterfront filled with eateries and shops.
• Monterey Aquarium – The Monterey Aquarium is the centerpiece of the city where they study the waters of Monterey Bay and tackle the oceans health problems.
• Kayaking Monterey Bay – Don’t miss getting on the water in Monterey. We highly recommend taking a kayaking tour of Monterey Bay with Adventures by the Sea to view sea otters and sea lions.
• Surfing Carmel – Beginners will love the easy break and sandy shallow waters of Carmel Bay. We spent the morning taking a lesson with the Carmel Surf Company

Hotels and AirBnBs in Monterrey

The Hideaway – Centrally Located on Juniper Street, a short walk to restaurants, and just a few blocks from the beach. This luxury boutique hotel has in-room fireplaces and offers a modern design. TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Suggested Place to Eat – La Belana Cucina Toscana takes you straight to the heart of Tuscany with a traditional setting. Sit outside on the heated patio and enjoy a fresh farm to table menu drizzled in olive oil and truffles.

4. Big Sur – 1 Day

Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 for an hour from Monterrey to Big Sur .

The Pacific Coast Highway is the Grand Dame of all California road trips. We suggest a minimum of 2 days exploring the coast along Big Sur. You can easily keep your base in Monterey to explore these sights.

A great compliment to your Big Sur road trip is to download this Pacific Coast Highway Self Drive tour. The app showcases the top scenic stops and views from Monterey to Pismo Beach. It tracks your route and the audio guide plays commentary to tell you stories and suggest points of interest. On this leg, you’ll see places like Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Canyon, McWay Falls, and the Bixby Bridge.

Considered by many the world’s most scenic drives, The Big Sur portion of California Coastal Drive on Highway 1 is a must for any road trip lover. In our opinion, all California road trips should include this leg as there are so many gorgeous stops from sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Things to See in Big Sur

• Bixby Bridge – Don’t miss stopping at the Bixby Bridge. Made famous by many a film and TV Show (most recently Big Little Lies . Tip : Go for sunrise no tourists were there at all when we were up before dawn.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – This a good place to go for hikes and walk along the trails. It’s most famous for the McWay Waterfalls and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
• Pfeiffer Beach – One of the best beaches on the route. Pfeiffer Beach is a bit of a drive off the main highway down a narrow and bumpy road, so it attracts fewer tourists than other viewpoints on Highway 1. Check out: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
• Garrapata State Park – Hiking trails along the coast, Karst formations, sea arches, and jagged rocks make for extraordinary views of a rugged coastal landscape at Garrapata State Park. For a complete breakdown of photography stops with GPS Co-ordinates visit our Photography Guide to Big Sur

Where to Stay in Big Sur – Ventana Resort

When exploring Big Sur we made a home base at Ventana Resort and spent two days exploring the surrounding area. We spent one night in  their glamping tents  and one night in a luxurious suite overlooking the ocean. Ventana is the perfect base for exploring Big Sur as it’s in the heart of everything.

Check out our guide to The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur

Where to eat in Big Sur

• The Sur House – Located at  Ventana Big Sur , The Sur House is an upscale dining establishment using locally sourced cuisine created by Executive Chef, Paul Corsentino. $90 Fix menu offers a divine three-course meal. Location: 48123 Highway 1
• Big Sur River Inn – The  Big Sur River Inn  was the first hotel and restaurant in the area. Enjoy the photographs from a bygone era dating back to 1932.
• Nepenthe – Open since 1949,  Nepenthe  is a staple of Big Sur attracting artists, poets, and travelers to its 800-foot sea cliff views. Location: 48510 Highway One
• Big Sur Roadhouse – This locally run eatery has a funky vibe with family-style seating. Designer Steve Justrich transformed the roadhouse into a unique design that they claim as homegrown modernism.

5. Coastal Highway Stops

This drive takes 3 hours from Big Sur to Santa Maria, but take you time to see all the sights.

We continue down the coast from Big Sur to the charming town of Santa Maria, which is one of our favorite California road trip stops. Be sure to give ample time for breaks on this route. There is still a lot more to see on this portion of the California Coast and you can easily spend a day exploring the sites as you make your way to your next overnight stop. 

• Hearst Castle – Built by San Simeon, this incredible estate was built on 127 acres on a hill overlooking San Simeon. Pop in for a tour of America’s castle before driving on to spend the night in the lovely town of Santa Maria.
• Morrow Bay – Another beautiful beach, Morrow Bay’s main attraction is Morrow Rock, a 180-meter tall volcanic plug standing proud offshore.
• Pismo Beach is another place to stop if you still have time before spending the night in Santa Maria.

6. Santa Maria – 1 Day

So it is a good time to park your car and get out to explore the nearby vineyards for a proper “Sideways” wine tour experience. We have it as one day on your California road trip itinerary, but if you can spend two days here, we recommend it.

Things to do in Santa Maria

• Wine Tours – There are several vineyards to choose. Hire a private car through Gold Coast Executive Transportation to take you on a wine tour. We had an amazing time touring Wine Caves of  Cottonwood Canyon .
• Dune Buggy Adventure – To explore even more of the highest dunes in the world, go on a Dune Buggy adventure with  Steve’s ATV Rentals, 332 Pier Ave. Oceano.  Get in a dune buggy and hit the dunes.
• Hidden Hollywood – Don’t miss this very cool Hidden Hollywood at the Dunes Center museum in Guadalupe Cecil B. Demille created an entire set of the pyramids of Egypt in the middle of the California Sand Dunes. He didn’t want anyone to use his set again, so he buried it in the desert and didn’t tell anyone where it was. It was nearly forgotten by everyone, until the 1990s when the director, Peter Brosnan decided to search for the hidden city.

Hotels and AirBnBs in Santa Maria

Check in to the historic Santa Maria Inn in the center of town. It has been a staple in Santa Maria since 1917. Be sure to peruse the halls to see legendary movie stars that have stayed here.

• Santa Maria Style Barbecue – If you want to try authentic Santa Maria Style Barbecue, go to Far Western Tavern Tavern in Orcutt.

7. Santa Barbara – 1 Day

Today we drive a short distance of just 1 hour from Santa Maria

Continuing on through wine country and making our way through our California road trip itinerary, we arrive in Santa Barbara for a night before stopping in Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara is considered one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions with nine different wine routes to explore. It is a popular escape from Los Angeles, and there are many things to do here.

Things to do in Santa Barbara

• Sunset Sail – We suggest a sailing trip to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the California Coast followed by dinner on a patio by the waterfront.
• Stearns Wharf – Historic deep-water pier dating back to 1871.
• Shopping – Santa Barbara is all about the upscale experience, stroll the Spanish style shops lining State Street.
• Museums – Check out the many museums. The Museum of Art, MOXI – The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation and Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center.

Santa Barbara Hotels and AirBnBs

We stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. This estate is the perfect place to relax after all that driving.

8. Los Angeles – 2 Days

It’s an hour and a half to Los Angeles so you can start enjoying the city immediately

Click here for map CA coast

We’ve come to the next metropolis on our California Road Trip and it is time to explore L.A. Los Angeles is a good place to start for southern California road trips. Who doesn’t love Los Angeles? There are so many things to do in LA , that you could have your entire California road trip right here.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The possibilities are endless for sightseeing in L.A. so you can decide how long you want to stay here. From Universal Studios and Disneyland to hiking up to see the Hollywood sign or follow the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You must get out to see the beaches of Los Angeles. Our favorite beach is Manhattan Beach where you can see the famous 90210 beach house. But everyone loves popping over to Venice Beach too. I hope you’ve rented a nice car to drive along Rodeo Drive but if not, don’t worry, you’ll fit right in with the Bohemian atmosphere of Venice Beach. Read 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More

• Note: You seriously need a car to explore L.A. It is spread out and it was made for driving.
• Check out our post: Where to Stay in Los Angeles – 4 Hotels to Make You Feel Like a Star. 

Option: Continue to San Diego – Or Turn North

From Los Angeles you can continue south to San Diego or start heading north to make your way back to San Francisco.

• The Best Things to Do in San Diego – A Local’s Guide to the City
• Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas

For our road trip, we turned north up towards the National Parks .

9. Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

From Los Angeles we drive two hours to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park .

Get the link to this portion of your road trip ideas in California.

Joshua Tree National Park is where two deserts meet: The Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. There are lookout points and there’s even a cactus garden. You can camp overnight in Joshua Tree and there’s also rock climbing. It’s one of the premier places on earth for bouldering. We only suggest spending a day here on this California Road Trip Itinerary, but if you have more time, put a tent in the back of your car and spend a couple of days hiking Joshua Tree and exploring more of California

10. Death Valley National Park

It takes about 2 hours to drive through non stop

If you are planning a California road trip, you must try to include a day driving through Death Valley. It’s very hot, dry, and it’s a beautiful drive, but this portion of your California road trips planner should involve some precautionary steps. The average temperature is 48 degrees Celcius. (120F) Luckily there are enough stops at viewpoints along the road that keep you from having to trek too far for viewing in the heat.

• Safety in Death Valley : Pack plenty of water, cover-up, and wear sunscreen.
• Get the Google maps of  road trips California with a detour to Vegas .

11. Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

From Death Valley we drive 7 hours to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the Big 3 National Parks in the USA and it did not disappoint. It is where the legendary photographer Ansel Adams set up shop and took some of the most recognizable nature photographs of all time.

Things to See in Yosemite

Yosemite has all those iconic formations that you’ve all heard of like “The Nose” and “El Capitan”. Here you’ll find Bridalveil Falls, and the famous Tunnel View Lookout. Glacier Point is another not-to-miss stop. It’s also a place for adventurers to get out an enjoy nature. There are so many hiking trails you will need days to complete them all. Read more at Things to do in Yosemite National Park

En route to Yosemite, be sure to stop at Sequoia National Forest. We combined our stay in Yosemite with seeing the sequoias as they are less than an hour away. A highlight for us was taking the park tour to see the Grand Sequoia Trees of Mariposa Grove. It is a bit of a drive from Yosemite, but hey, you’re on a road trip so it’s right up your alley!

When booking accommodation in Yosemite, plan in advance. During high season, things sell out fast! Curry Village has a range of canvas tents and wooden cabins plus hotel rooms. Accommodation range from basic tents with shared bathrooms to private hotel rooms with bathrooms. Check out TripAdvisor for prices .

• Yosemite Valley Lodge is a great location to make a base in Yosemite. There’s free parking, free Internet and a pool. Read more: Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

12. Lake Tahoe – 2 Days

From Yosemite it is 2 hours and 30 minutes to Tahoe.

There are two major tourist areas to make a base in both South and North Lake Tahoe. The south is certainly the busier of the two sides of the lake with casinos, nightclubs and lots of people. While the north side of the lake is all about nature, quiet family run lodges and rugged and historic ski hills, the South sits directly on the Nevada border and feels kitschy and commercial.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

• Scenic Drive – The best views most certainly happen when driving between South and North Tahoe via Emerald Bay State Park. It takes an entire day to really explore the lake and you must give a lot of time for sightseeing at Emerald Bay.
• Emera l d Bay State Park – Emerald Bay has several different scenic stops and each one is a must! When you pull over, be sure to get out of your car and hike to the viewpoints. They get more spectacular with each turn! Hike down to the bay and see the famous Vikingsholm Castle or go on a lake cruise.
• Camp Richardson – If you are up for more hiking, there are trails all around Camp Richardson that are less steep than the hike down from Emerald Bay. They also offer hotel and cabins for lodging.
• Skiing – Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is the closest skiing to San Francisco and receives the most snowfall out of all the hills in California. After driving up the long and winding road, we stopped for a magnificent view of Donner Lake. North Star offers the luxury end of the spectrum of skiing with the only slope-side five-star lodging in the area, and don’t forget Mt.Rose offering Tahoe’s Highest Base elevation. Heavenly Mountain located in South Tahoe.
• Read Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Winter

Hotels and AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe

• There are plenty of lodging options in North Lake Tahoe and a good stay for families would definitely be our lodge at Cedar Crest Cottages .
• Sunnyside Resort is a welcoming resort located on the Shore of Lake Tahoe. Your stay includes continental breakfast and afternoon tea.

Where to Eat – We loved our meal and the friendly staff at  Sunnyside Restaurant and Resort  located at 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. It has been a Sunnyside tradition since 1965.

13. Sacramento – Bonus Night

It’s about a five-hour drive from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco, so if you want to split up the 5-hour drive we suggest stopping in Sacramento . Even if it’s not on your California road trip itinerary from the start, it’s worth the time to see all of this history. The state capital of California is worth a visit even if you only see the historic downtown landmark of Old Sacramento. This 28-acre district is filled with old town saloons and bars taking you back to the 1800s.

Where to Stay in Sacramento

A great place to stay is  The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel  that is just a short 15-minute walk from Old Town. This new upscale hotel is located in the heart of Sacramento overlooking the Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings.

How much does it cost to Road Trip in California?

As you’ve seen, your California road trip itinerary can move in a lot of different directions. There were a lot of stops we didn’t even make because this state is so enormous. As such, the cost can vary greatly depending on lodging.

Accommodation – If you stay in a campground you will pay $35 per night but you can also spend up to $1000 per night in luxury lodges like Ventana in Big Sur or the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara.

This road trip is 1500 miles in total . If the average car gets 20 miles per gallon and the average cost of fuel is $3.50 per gallon, you can expect to pay $262 in fuel for this trip.

Meals too can have a broad range. If you want a multicourse meal at some of the luxury hotels, you can spend up to $200. but you can also hit roadside diners for $20. We mixed and matched packing lunches, eating in diners and sometimes splurging on gourmet meals. We suggest you do the same to make the most of your trip.

If you can get breakfasts included and pack sandwiches and waters for lunch, you have just saved a lot of money for a romantic dinner out.

Full Map of Our Road Trip in California

Whatever route you choose, you will go through some of the best  scenery in all of California . We hope to have given enough information to create your own tour by offering these California road trip ideas.

You have now completed the route and can make your way back to The San Francisco Bay area to return your rental car. Or feel free to stick around California. There are so many places to visit , you can spend months exploring.

Did you enjoy this California Trip Planner? Why not pin it to use as a reference for future road trips.

And that ladies and gentlemen are our picks for the best road trips California has to offer. So, now you are ready to hit the road with a solid plan of all the things to do in California!

To see our full itinerary through California check out  Follow ThePlanetD from Oceans to Mountains  on the Visit California Website.

• Things to do in Napa Valley
• 16 Best Cities in California
• 27 Best Beaches in California
• 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors

You may also like these other great road trips:

• 25 of The Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken
• 13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
• Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary
• Dempster Highway Road Trip – Yes You Can Drive to the Arctic
• The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip
• Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

Our trip to California was in partnership with Visit California. For more information on California travel and itineraries,  visit their website. As usual, all opinions are our own.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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49 thoughts on “The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary”

Wow, what a great itinerary! I remember my California road trip like it was yesterday – an unforgettable experience. Starting in San Francisco was a smart choice – it’s such a diverse city with so much to see and do. I couldn’t get enough of the panoramic views from Golden Gate Park! And that City Pass was definitely a worthwhile investment. Made getting around the city super convenient. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway was absolutely stunning. It’s a journey I think everyone should experience at least once. For anyone planning this road trip, don’t rush it! Take your time and really soak in the breathtaking views. It’s worth every second.

Oh wow! This is a great itinerary. Super detailed – thank you. We love California.

Thank You for sharing! This detail very use full for me!

This is really an ultimate road trip! I live in CA and have done so much of this but only little bits at a time. Beautiful photos!

This California road trip is really amazing and very useful for road trippers. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Sharon, I’m glad we could help! And have a great road trip! When do you leave for California?

This is incredible and you travel photography is totally shocking! In spite of the fact that I live in California, there are a few places on your excursion that I haven’t visited at this point! I’m anticipating getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley sooner rather than later! A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing!

You are going to love Lake Tahoe. In the winter it’s a great destination. They really have it figured out as a four season destination. Make sure to bring plenty of water for Death Valley. I am sure you are used to the heat, but we were amazed with how hot it actually was.

Santa Barbara, California is a nice place to vacation and travel to often.

Santa Barbara is gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to go there since the soap opera called Santa Barbara. It didn’t disappoint.

I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Enjoy! They are two great and very different locations.

Super detailed – thank you!

Thanks, I’m glad we could help!

This is a great itinerary! There is so much to see in California. I have been creating CA road trip itineraries for 4 years of different duration and covering various interests. I currently have 35 and counting on my blog.

Oh wow! There are so many places to see in California, it really does take years. This road trip planner is from several different trips we’ve taken as well. It would be a dream to do it all again at one time!

I could not agree with you more about California being one of (if not the) best destinations for a road trip. Have you ever thought of renting a campervan to make the trip? It really makes the trip all the more immersive when you can stop and sleep right in the middle of it instead of having to venture off the beaten path to find lodging. And in most cases, you can do that in Cali. I recommend Travellers-Autobarn for an awesome campervan rental. They have locations in San Francisco and LA. I put their link in the website field. Happy Trails!

A campervan would be amazing. We love camping and meeting people on the road and we find that campgrounds are so much fun. Thanks for the tip!

Good to see wonderful snapshot of California and California road trip itinerary.

Thank you for sharing with us.

Great guide. Brings back so many California road trip memories. Planning one now with kids in tow!

Thanks! We love California

California is just amazing and blog was so informative about the Joshua Tree,Los angles ,South Lake Tahoe,Yosemite,Death Valley i love these kinda places actually nice write-up thanks or posting!

This post made me move towards road trip to California. Incredible post along with awesome photograph which is central attraction of the blog. Reading this post made my day. I wish I could travel like you without any worry of time.

Appreciate it for your great effort that made my day with motivation.

I hope you get the chance to road trip in California. We also have a photography guide to Big Sur with all the GPS coordinates so you can make the most of yoru trip. https://theplanetd.com/visual-guide-to-big-sur-coastal-drive-california/

A California road trip has been on the top of my travel bucket list for so long and this post hasn’t changed my mind. I’ve been to both LA and SF but would love to see all the amazing scenery in between.

Two great locations! You already have a great start to your road trip? Where would you like to go next?

This post makes me want to move home and go on a road trip! Thanks for giving me so many places to book mark. Can’t want to visit Cali again now!

Lucky you being from California. It is one of the greatest states in our opinion 🙂

Yes indeed it is great

This is great and you photography is absolutely stunning! Although I live in California, there are several places on your road trip that I haven’t visited yet! I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Wow, that is a serious road trip, filled with so many gorgeous things! When I was growing up, we did the Highway 1 trip several times, and I have so many great memories of it. This route takes you to all kinds of places I am yet to explore! Love it!

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. I’m currently planning a road trip from San Francisco, so this is super helpful! Beautiful pictures you captured. Thank you so much for sharing this post.

I just want to tell that your photographs are really very inspiring and they just got me. I wanted to meander in the streets of this state. Thank you for taking us on this part.

Okay … just read over all the comments and I see a lot of people don’t care for Las Vegas. Fair enough. Please don’t right the whole city off as wasteful and uncaring for the environment. I’d ask you to please be open minded and learn more about our city before jumping to that conclusion. There’s more to Las Vegas than the four miles people know as the Strip.

Get in touch regarding Las Vegas and anything you want to know about the Southwest. I’ve lived in Vegas for five years and know the Southwest well. Would love to chat about your plans and provide recommendations/answer questions. You know where to find me!

We’ve been living in the bay area our whole lives and still haven’t done this route. SF direct to LA yes, but not this kind. Sounds like an adventure! I heard you two were at a Travel Massive event in SF late last year no? It was at a beer shop I believe. We were there too!

Hi. That trip sounds amazing. I’ve actually been to all those places on a Trek America tour. Alcatraz is a must see, there is plenty to do in Vegas without gambling and if you get the chance to take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon do it because the views are to die for. You’ll have a blast! l look forward to reading about it.

You guys are going to have such a great trip! I’m from the SF area, went to college in LA and spent several summers on family backpacking trips in Yosemite, so I have to admit I’m actually a little jealous. Enjoy it extra for me, please!

Too bad you will be missing Lake Tahoe! One of the most beautiful places in the country! You definitely have to plan a trip to visit here at some point 🙂

Did a similar road trip last year and Cam is right, you need to stop by Sequoia National Park and see the General Sherman Tree (it’s basically on the way from Yosemite to Bakersfield!). With that said, still looks like tons of fun and I’m sure it’ll be a blast!

Thanks for the report : ) We will be doing about the saem route in September: Denver-Ouray-Arches-Bryce-Zion-Grand Canyon-Las Vegas-Death Valley-Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite-SFO 🙂

— Anton Way Any Way – Airfare search done right http://www.wayanyway.com

Sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve always wanted to do a west coast road trip. I have driven from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, and I definitely did not spend enough time at the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas is fun, and as for shows any Cirque du Soleil show will be a good bet. I saw O which was fantastic.

Seriously–you are driving right by some really amazing places with no time to stop. You have to add several more days and visit Sequoia National Park (world’s largest trees), and Death Valley National Park.They are both incredible! Las Vegas is soulless and weird and there’s nothing to do if you don’t like gambling (my friend Jane who lives there slaps me every time I say that–well, not really, but I can tell she wants to). Replace your time in Las Vegas with time in Sedona, Arizona, about an hour’s drive south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plus, Zion isn’t all that far from Bryce Canyon National Park, which is way better! How’s that for unsolicited advice!

If you want to get out of California, these are all great suggestions. We need a year to really visit California and all the great States that Surround it.

Wha?! You’ve never been to Vegas…? Looks like a fun road trip, we’ve done a couple Californian road trips but we’ve never made it to Utah or Arizona. We originally planned to due a Utah, AZ, NV, CO road trip combined with TBEX this year, but Baby B is not a fan of long car trips, so that ones on the shelf for a few years

What a great route, including some mind-blowing scenery. Don’t spend too long in Vegas. We were disgusted by the excess and waste also. A sidetrip to the Hoover Dam would be an eye-opener as to just how much water is being sucked up. The water of Lake Mead will be so low by 2017 that they dam may not be able to produce any power.

Whoa! I met Felipe from Twtvite in Berlin last summer. Cool guy! Sounds like the road trip will be a blast. Zion National Park is amazing!

You’re not doing Highway 1 at all????

That’s by far one of my favourite road trips, between SF and LA!

Thanks for your great and motivating article.

• How to See the Best of California in Only 7 Days

This summer you’ve decided to explore the West Coast but only managed to get a week off from work. You don’t want to feel overloaded, and you aren’t convinced there is enough time to get out and explore the best places California has to offer. I thought the same thing, so I set out to discover what you could actually do with seven days in this amazing state. What I discovered was pleasantly surprising. Not only can you see a ton of the amazing sights in California , but it can even be done at a leisurely pace.

So, if you’re unsure of where to start and how to organize your seven-day trip, I’m sharing my route with you that hits the best of the best this beautiful West Coast state has to offer — and then some. If you’re on a budget, you can also find cheap hostels to stay in Los Angeles and other cities in California at Hostelz.com .

• List of the Best Hostels in California, USA
• List of the Best Hotels in California, USA – from Cheap to Luxury
• 25 Things to do in San Francisco, California
• California Road Trip in Joshua Tree National Park

Table of Contents

Day 1: Animal Love in San Diego

What to do: On the day after I arrived at a place, I like to jump into easy local attractions. Then I feel like I’m making the most of my time without exhausting myself. San Diego is a great place to do just that — and with adorable, cuddly animals! The San Diego Zoo is a definite must-see, and you can ease into your adventure while loving on some four-legged friends.

Where to stay: If you want to try to see as much of the city in a short amount of time, I would recommend staying the night on Coronado Island . It might be pricier than other places in the city, but you really don’t want to miss checking out this spectacular spot.

Where to eat: Complete your day with delicious fish tacos in old town (not to be missed!) and cap it all off with a visit to their famous Little Italy for some truly authentic gelato. It’s so good!

Day 2: Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park and San Bernardino Forest

Where to stay: Your final destination today will be in Los Angeles, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing scenery.

What to eat: I packed lunch this day in order to save a bit of time, but also so I could enjoy my meal in Joshua Tree. You can choose whatever you like, but on a day like today, a sack lunch is best.

Day 3: Checking out the City of Angels

What to do: If this is your first time to LA, you definitely need to check out the star-studded landmarks and make a trip to the beach. One of the best ways to check out the Hollywood Hills is on horseback. The Sunset Ranch offers daytime and sunset horseback riding, so you can choose which time is the most convenient for you. I also really love the Getty Villa. It’s a great museum, and on the plus side, it’s always free.

Where to stay: When I’m in Los Angeles, I prefer to check out AirBnB to save a little on lodging without sacrificing the amenities that come with a full apartment. You can also check in Luxe Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills .

What to eat: There are so many delicious places to eat in the city, narrowing down your choice might be difficult. However, I’ve found I’ve fallen in love with the “farm-to-table” concept and found an amazing place to munch on great local food at Le Comptoir . You don’t want to miss it.

“farm-to-table” concept and found an amazing place to munch on great local food at Le Comptoir . You don’t want to miss it.

Day 4: Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park

What to do: Say goodbye to the city again and prepare for some tranquil moments in the amazing forests of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park. This will be a bit of a drive, so your departure today will be early — but it will be so worth it. Plan on roughing it camping here so you can enjoy some amazing hikes to admire the scenery and the unreal Groves of GIANT Sequoias in Mariposa that can live up to 3,000 years. They will take your breath away.

Where to stay: You’ll be camping in the park, which is seriously something you have to do. Fires, stargazing and ghost stories can all be in your future.

What to eat: I really am a fan of campfire fare, and I also like to bring along supplies to make a good camp stew. It’s simple — ground beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, salt and pepper all tucked into tin foil and roasted right over the open flame.

Day 5: Exploring the Hills of Napa

What to do: Pack up your tent and prepare to get some use out of that corkscrew you always throw in your bags — or is that just me? From Yosemite, you’ll head to Napa Valley. It’s definitely one of those spots I would label a “must see” in Cali. Obviously, your main focus here is going to be trying the many delicious wines this area has to offer. You can pick up the wine train or do a self-guided tour. It all depends on you.

Where to stay: The Auberge du Soleil is like checking into wine country heaven. I would definitely recommend staying here. You won’t be disappointed.

What to eat: You’ll have no shortage of good eats at many of the wineries you’ll visit. Nothing goes better with wine than some great cheese. Eat up.

Day 6: All the Eats in San Francisco

What to do: So you’re on day six now, and if you’ve noticed the back and forth between activities and relaxing, then you’ll see that is completely intentional. We’ve driven a lot of miles at this point, but the scenery has been great along the way and the distances doable. From Napa, you’ll head to the beautiful bay area of San Francisco, where there is no shortage of things to do — Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, etc. — so you won’t be bored.

Where to stay: This is another destination where I would Airbnb it. The neighborhoods are so eclectic it’s like discovering something new each time you go back.

What to eat: Perhaps my favorite part about this city is all the different food choices. You’ll need to come with a very empty stomach so you can basically do a food tour. Have a burrito in Mission, Italian at Fiorella’s in the Richmond, delicious dim sum — multiple places if you can — in Chinatown, and clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl on the waterfront. Seriously — the eats are incredible!

Day 7: Return to LA on the Pacific Coast Highway 

What to do: Another travel hack I used for this itinerary is making the return trip in a different direction. You’ll cap off your seven-day exploration of California by taking its most famous road: the PCH. You will have the entire day to get yourself back to LA for your departure the next day, so make sure you stop along the way and check out some of the amazing sights.

Where to stay: You’ll be arriving sometime in the evening in LA, so either pick a locale close to the airport or decide to do one more night out in Tinseltown, choosing an Airbnb or hotel in the area you want.

What to eat: I capped my trip off with some Ramen at Tsujita, but there are plenty of different things to choose from. Go crazy — it’s your last night!

So there you have it. The best of the best in California — all in just seven days. Obviously, there is so much more to explore if you have the time, but one silver lining is it will be easy to find an excuse to go back.

Extra Tip: Check out Plumguide for the best holiday homes and vacation rentals in California .

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5 thoughts on “ How to See the Best of California in Only 7 Days ”

I would like to take this trip.

Did you fly in and out of LA? We are wanting to do family trip in March. We will also only have 7 days to see California.

Can you send a trip plan for 11 days including a cruise 3 nights Thanks

How much did this cost to do?

I appreciate your effort. I really like to share your all these images which looking very fabulous. I also explored these all alluring places in my these tours and have a joyful time with my family.

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How to Plan the BEST California Road Trip Itinerary for 7 Days

Far from the maddening crowds and four-lane highways, a California road trip is every traveler’s dream. The Golden State is where you go to live the vintage wild west fantasies.

It is full of life and has a lot to offer.

Iconic national parks, sunlit beaches, The Big City, and effervescent nightlife that captures the carefree, sun-kissed lifestyle of the state.

To choose between these options can be dispiriting.

I say, why do it?

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Why not just travel the whole state!

I mean, sure the days will be jam-packed with activities but with the opportunity to travel all of California in 7 days , that’s hardly even a price. It is possible and it is fun.

What to Expect on This California Road Trip Guide

This California road trip itinerary starts in mid-California and moves to the South. If you are looking for warm, sunny weather, look no further.

This guide will take you on a journey through wineries all the way to the world-famous theme parks. Just grab on some snacks and get ready to explore California in 7 days.

7-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at San Francisco

When I planned my itinerary, I just knew San Francisco had to be the first stop of my journey. The city believes in an open culture and lets you discover endless possibilities of your mind.

It is safe for solo female travelers and allows them to be themselves. I just couldn’t wait to explore all its cool districts and delicious food offered by the city.

San Francisco is host to iconic man-made structures, museums, parks , beaches, lively neighborhoods, and tons of entertainment options.

You can start with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and then tour the city in the historic cable car.

See San Francisco’s top attractions, handpicked and packaged together for low cost with a CityPass that includes:

• 3-Day Cable Car and Muni Bus Passport
• California Academy of Sciences
• Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
• Aquarium of the Bay
• Exploratorium OR San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — SFMO

Get your San Francisco CityPass here!

Nightlife in San Francisco

After hours in San Francisco makes for a carefree nightlife. Just head to one (or all) of its neighborhoods.

You can rub elbows with the locals at unpretentious bars in the Mission Neighborhood or dance the night away at the clubs in SoMa Neighborhood.

You can also opt for a nightcap in Hayes Valley Neighborhood before heading back to the hotel.

I stayed at The Donatello Hotel , which offered an incredible rooftop view with free wine…

…yes, I did just say free wine! You know how much I love my wine : )

This is where I started my evening before heading out to discover incredible eateries such as Tacorea Burrito Place and CoCo Bang Korean Restaurant .

Arrival Tip: San Francisco is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America and it is best to grab an electric bike to cruise around.

If you are covering the grounds in the cable car, make sure to take a seat that faces the bay. Stop at Union Square to relish some delicious cocktails and fresh oysters.

Theme Park Hacks at Your Finger Tips. Plan your next vacation with the latest tips and tricks on the ThemeParkHipster App. Download Today!

Day 2 – San Francisco

San Francisco is big and has a lot to cover.

That’s why I say it is a good idea to stay a day longer here. You can go wine touring or explore one of the greatest treasures of this city, the Golden Gate Park.

The verdant botanical gardens, aromatic tea gardens, variety of flowers, museums, art studios, and more make the park unmissable.

Take a leisurely morning run and you will find yourself amidst several women stretching with waterfalls and windmills in the backdrop. It was one of the serene experiences of the entire trip.

You can either stay in this lush oasis for a whole day or go wine tasting in Sonoma or Napa.

San Francisco Tip

Since drinking and driving is a straight-up no-no, you can either stay in one of the lodgings or taste and spit the wine.

You can also opt for a professional tour to make sure you enjoy the wine tasting experience to the fullest and still come back to the hotel.

There is a wealth of options, but I would one that not only takes you through Napa Valley and Sonoma County, but one that shows you some of the most popular San Francisco attractions on your tour like this one.

Day 3 – Road Trip to Los Angeles

I wanted to make a solo road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but the 400 miles made me nervous. I also didn’t want to miss the beautiful scenery of the route.

So, I started my Pacific Coast Highway at 7:30 a.m. with my husband joining me.

While a quick flight definitely saves time and effort, this road trip lets you take in some gorgeous views which, trust me, you don’t want to miss.

After all, this route is known as one of the most scenic drives in America.

Things You Can’t Miss on the Pacific Coast Highway

On your way you will drive through Half Moon Bay, Monterey , Bixby Bridge and Big Sur, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Solvang, Santa Barbara, and Point Sand Dune.

You can make quick stops until you reach Los Angeles within 12 hours. I would suggest to keep wiggle room to stop at the Big Sur, Solvang, and Point Sand Dune.

However, if you want to avoid driving at night, it is better to admire the dramatic scenery during the daytime.

I was able to make frequent stops alongside the Pacific Coast Highway and make it to Los Angeles just before the sun went down starting at 7 a.m.

Things to Remember for Your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

There are plenty of gas stations along the route but I would advise you to keep the tank full. Keep snacks and water to stay energized and alert.

The Pacific Coast Highway has beach restrooms, small cities, and towns along the route where you can make resting stops. Even if you are traveling in warm months, keep layers like windbreaker or rain gear with you.

13 Lucky Pacific Coast Highway Tips

• Be prepared for the high elevation.
• If you’re prone to car sickness bring Dramamine. Use Dramamine only if you’re NOT driving. It can cause drowsiness.
• Verify the one-way car rental guidelines.
• Drive a comfortable and RELIABLE car.
• Rent a convertible.
• Have a full tank of gas.
• Pick your music playlist or line up your podcasts before you go.
• Have snacks and water.
• Take a restroom break as often as you can.
• Have camera and phone fully charged.
• Stay highly alert while driving. Take turns driving if you’re traveling with someone.
• Take your time exploring the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.

Entering in Southern California on Day 3

Get ready to bask in the sunny side of The Golden State. Southern California has an exciting, happening, and almost addictive vibe that will make you fall in love with it.

Southern California Tip

The south is full of attractions, be it in Los Angeles or San Diego. More attractions mean more admission fees. But thankfully California has a better alternative.

Take a Southern California City Pass to save a lot of money. The pass will allow you entrance in top attractions. You will save up to half the price of admission.

With this pass in your pocket, you will also skip long queues and save time.

Day 4 – Explore Los Angeles and Hollywood

The City of Angles is home to seven recreational parks where you can scream your head off on a roller coast or plunge down a log flume. You can easily spend the whole week in Los Angeles.

But with all the time constraints, I would advise you start with the “Happiest Place on Earth” – Disneyland.

If you can manage to drink all of Disneyland in just half a day, you will have a slot open for the next best theme park – Universal Studios.

But let’s face it. That’s not going to happen.

We all know with 34 miles between both the parks, it’s impossible to take them both in without missing out on something wonderful. So why not just stay a little longer in Los Angeles?

The best way to end the day is at Santa Monica Pier.

Los Angeles Tip

If you are a Disney fan, you can opt to stay in an on-site Disneyland hotel for an immersive experience. When you stay in one of these hotels, you also get a bonus one-hour extra time with one-hour early access.

Make sure to pack water bottles and some snacks to prevent any “hangry” moments on your trip.

On my California Road Trip I had to make a decision on which theme park to go to: Disneyland or Universal Studios?

Since I hadn’t been to Universal Studios Hollywood before, I decided to choose that park and save Disneyland on a trip that I could dedicate a few days to it in Anaheim.

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Day 5 – Universal City Trip (Universal Studios Hollywood)

Next stop on this Californian trip would be Universal Studios Hollywood.

The best fun activity inside Universal Studios is their Studio Tour that shows you around the studio lower lot. It is not just simple sight-seeing but lots of action too.

Expect special effects, a very intense King Kong 360-3D experience, being attacked by a dinosaur, being flooded, and much more.

Lose yourself in the light show of Hogwarts Castle or just cruise into the darkness of the lower lot where the Mummy is.

I found Universal Studios full of surprises, thrill, and excitement. It is an experience that brought me to California and it is thoroughly worth visiting.

Once you have had it all in the Studios, head back to the hotel and relax.

Universal Studios Tip

Travel to the Universal Studio via a ride share option to save time in the parking lot. Carry your own water bottle and eat breakfast before you arrive.

Take advantage of going solo and using the Single Riders line.

It is a fast and free way to skip the line. If you don’t want to worry about any of that , get a VIP pass.

Read: 23 First Timer Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood

Day 6 – San Diego

You can spend the morning driving around the coastal towns of Los Angeles or just hit the road to San Diego.

San Diego is absolutely America’s Finest City!

Everybody who’s living there or who’s ever been there loves the city. No one I have ever met thinks so-so about it.

They just love it.

What to Expect in San Diego

The city is definitely more than just about 100 days of sunshine and ocean sides.

It has a grand park with a massive zoo, a super-cool spot for paragliding, bustling craft brewery scene, and some of the best places to eat.

Its amicable locals love their city and do not hesitate in offering some great recommendations.

San Diego Zoo

The best spot to begin San Diego expeditions would be its popular zoo. The zoo has such a variety, it will make an animal lover squeal with joy.

Its 3700 residents include cute and fluffy pandas as well. Since the zoo is a 100-acre land, it will likely take an entire day to enjoy all of it.

Balboa Park

If the zoo isn’t your cup of tea, San Diego has another verdant option – the Balboa Park.

The park is a cultural hub spread across a whopping 1400 acres of land. It has 17 museums, numerous gardens, and many other attractions.

San Diego zoo is also a part of this park, but it is so massive it really does take up the whole day.

At walking distance from the park is Little Italy, a chic neighborhood. You can walk from here to the North Park to enjoy coffee or visit one of the famous craft breweries.

San Diego Tip

Downtown is the best choice for your accommodation. There you’ll find a lot of great places to eat within walking distance.

Day 7 – The Departure

It’s the day to wrap up the exciting 7-day California road trip itinerary.

The best way to do it would be to either complete a half-day at SeaWorld San Diego or head straight to explore the beach cities, eat more incredible food, explore the seaport village, or visit Coronado Island.

The coastlines are so idyllic, you will not be able to keep from swooning over them.

Once you have taken in most of San Diego, it is time to head to the airport and catch the flight back home.

Departure Tip: If you plan to visit Coronado Island , you will need to manage time well because there is always traffic on the Island.

Flights and Reservations Before You Go

• E-ticket: The confirmation email can be used as an E-ticket, if it’s attached.
• Remember to bring your itinerary and government-issued photo ID for airport check-in and security.
• Contact the airline to confirm : specific seat assignments, special meals, frequent flyer point awards, special assistance requests.
• Check into flight early on mobile app or online.
• Review flight details: itinerary number, flight number, confirmation number, etc.
• Make sure your reservations (hotels, flights, tours, etc.) are booked AND confirmed.

Find your own round trip fares under $199 here at CheapOair!

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Upcoming California Road Trip

How much does the trip cost?

On an average, the California road trip itinerary for 7 days can cost anywhere between $1050 to $2000.

This includes gas, accommodation, car rentals, food, and entrance fees of attractions. But do not let the numbers discourage you.

There are plenty of ways to cut down on expenses, such as to take shared cabs, buy Southern California City Pass , purchase a California Tour , and enjoy local food instead of chain restaurants.

How long will the drive be from San Francisco to LA?

A non-stop drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles can take up to 10 hours on the Pacific Coast Highway.

But, without a doubt, it is one of the most picturesque routes with vistas of villages, towns, rugged coasts, and beaches. 

And TOTALLY worth the long ride!

Hipster Power Tip: Taking the regular Interstate-5 route will take you about 6 hours from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

When is the best time to take this road trip?

Weather-wise the best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in July and August. But you will also have to deal with high hotel prices and busiest crowds in this season.

To avoid the crowd and snow, plan the trip in May/June or September/October.

Is a non-stop California road trip on Pacific Coast Highway worth it?

Yes, if you are a vistas-seeker. No, if you are afraid of heights.

The drive offers a sweeping view of nature. Even if you don’t make stops, the route still feels dreamy.

You might want to keep the camera fully charged because I know you are going to take a lot of pictures.

Is the California road trip safe for solo women travelers?

San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are pretty safe cities. The highway is also safe to travel alone. However, it is always better to drive in the daylight and to trust your instincts.

Let’s Wrap This Up

There you have it – California road trip itinerary for 7 days. Obviously, there is so much more to explore and experience in the country if you have time.

Look at the silver lining! You will have several perfect excuses to go back to The Golden State.

Have you ever visited the coastline of California before? If so, let us know in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

• Things to Do in Orlando for the Fall
• How to Find Cheap Flights to Disney World
• First Timer Tips for Cedar Point

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

(Original Article Date: May 19, 2017/Updated: December 20, 2019)

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Why You Need to Follow Walt Disney’s Impossible Quote (Theme Park Therapy)

17 easy ways to do disney world on a tight budget, 2 thoughts on “how to plan the best california road trip itinerary for 7 days”.

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The Perfect 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate California road trip itinerary with our 10-day road trip itinerary, including all of the best national parks, cities and other attractions!

California is instantly captivating. Its major cities twinkle in the spotlight, from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. Its natural beauty is abundant as well, from the cliffs of Big Sur to the beaches of Santa Barbara.

However, California is ever-changing, and it changes fast. Rising snow-capped mountains soar out of lifeless deserts. Roads weave through conifer forests and giant redwoods, where alpine lakes mingle among hot springs and local towns that boomed with the growth of climbing.

Metropolises and epic nature are never far apart in this state. But it’s the California road trips between them that make it the perfect state to turn on the engine and put the car in drive.

This ultimate California road trip itinerary will include the highlights of this massive west coast state. From national parks to big cities, lazy beach towns, and more, here is our guide to planning the best California road trip!

Looking for the absolute best things to do in California? Check out our complete list here !

Table of Contents

Where To Stay In Los Angeles

Where to stay in san diego, where to stay in palm springs, where to stay in mammoth lakes, where to stay in lake tahoe, where to stay in sacramento, where to stay in san francisco, where to stay in santa monica, california road trip wrap up, the perfect california road trip itinerary.

The best way to travel from northern California to southern California , or vice versa, is via an epic California road trip. Sure you can take a quick flight, but the best way to absorb all the the Golden State has to offer is by exploring on land.

This 10-day California road trip itinerary gives you a nice introduction to this beautiful state. California is massive, and 10 days is not nearly enough for seeing all of it. But in these 10 days, you’ll get to see as much as possible. Let’s get into it!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Day 1 – Los Angeles

World-famous Los Angeles makes for the perfect place to start your California road trip itinerary. With easy access from around the world, fly into LAX, rent a car, and start exploring. Here are a few of the best things to do in Los Angeles !

• The Griffith Observatory

Start your time in Los Angeles by getting your bearings. The Griffith Observatory offers amazing insight into the cosmos, but just as applicable are its far-reaching views across the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean.

Home to Lotus flower beds, floating swans, and paddle boats, Echo Park is a glimpse into LA’s past and current beauty. Book a paddle boat in advance to best enjoy the scenery. Afterward, pick from a smorgasbord of local food trucks.

• The Hollywood Bowl

As the sun sets on Los Angeles, take in a show at the beloved Hollywood Bowl. The airy amphitheater has consistent events from festivals to concerts featuring a whole range of genres. With the sky a burst of colors, it’s a captivating music space.

• Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Getting around Los Angeles can be a nightmare. Lack of solid public transport and gridlocks can slow you down on what’s already a tight California road trip itinerary.

The Hop-on Hop-Off Bus delivers you to some of the city’s highlights, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills. You can always wait to pick up your rental car until after you explore LA!

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in Los Angeles itinerary !

Close to Rodeo Drive, The Peninsula has a world-class restaurant, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa. It’s the best option for luxury in Los Angeles!

In Venice Beach, Stay Open brings one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. Enjoy free bike rentals and WiFi so you can explore LA with ease.

Close to Hollywood Boulevard, Banana Bungalow leaves you close to the action with cheap onsite dinners plus regular free BBQs. If you’re on a budget during your California road trip, there are some great cheap hostels around the state!

Day 2 – San Diego

This drive takes 2 hours from downtown Los Angeles

After a leisurely drive from Los Angeles, discover the lovable San Diego , where sprawling parks harbor dozens of museums, galleries, and world-class zoos.

Beaches offer more than just a quick surf, in fact, you can expect to find life-changing burgers. At night, the bay glistens alongside the Gaslamp Quarter, here you can reflect on a busy first few days.

San Diego is a must on any California road trip. Here is our list of the best things to do while visiting San Diego.

• Mission Beach and Hodad’s

Before you make it to downtown San Diego, stop for a swim and the best burgers in America. Big call, so I’ll let you decide. Hodad’s is a gastronomic and cultural gem. While Mission Beach is the perfect way to cool off after a big drive.

• San Diego Zoo

The extensive San Diego Zoo takes you on a journey through our natural world. Experience the Elephant Odyssey or the Polar Bear Plunge alongside 4,500 other endangered or rare animals from across the globe.

• Balboa Park

It takes days to explore the incredible Balboa Park with a fine-tooth comb. But in such a short time, pick your favorites among the 16 museums, impressive Spanish architecture, landscaped gardens, and galleries.

• USS Midway Museum

Covering 10 acres, the USS Midway Museum boasts 30 historic aircraft on board the famous carrier. Learn more about WWII and the Battle of Midway, and experience real cockpits alongside other interactive exhibits. Afterward, wander along the Embarcadero.

• The Gaslamp Quarter

Once the sun has set, the Gaslamp Quarter lights up and the streets’ cobblestones glimmer under the stars. Enjoy a fun night in San Diego while exploring this romantic district home to high-end restaurants and candle-lit cocktail bars.

With four outdoor pools, half a dozen restaurants, a golf course and a spa, the five-star Fairmont Grand Del Mar has all your needs covered.

In Downtown San Diego, Motel6 offers cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and close proximity to the top adventures around the city.

Set in the Gaslamp Quarter, HI San Diego is a refurbished urban hostel with a fun atmosphere, a game room, plus self-guided tours and adventures.

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary !

Day 3 – Palm Springs

This drive takes 2 hours and 15 minutes from San Diego.

In southern California, Palm Springs is a gateway to epic mountain ranges and mystical deserts. Your time here is packed with hiking trails delivering memorable views and guiding you through a unique national park. But the town itself has a charming culture, shopping, and regular enchanting events.

• Joshua Tree National Park

The main reason to visit Palm Springs is to explore Joshua Tree National Park. This intriguing national park showcases the beauty of the desert landscapes, its unique flora, which gave the park its name, plus the colors that make every use of an open canvas.

• Downtown Palm Springs

After visiting Joshua Tree National Park, shop, eat, and walk your way through downtown Palm Springs. Adorable boutiques whisper your name with handcrafted goods looking to find a home in your road trip vehicle. On Thursday evenings, the town comes to life for its weekly VillageFest.

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

With no time to hike, take a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. The stunning rise provides views across the Coachella Valley along with the Chino Canyon.

• Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

If you choose to avoid downtown Palm Springs, Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is a great alternative. Walk among 150-year-old trees where the desert mixes with exotic landscapes to create a spectacularly colorful ecosystem.

• The San Jacinto Mountains

Another option is to explore the San Jacinto Mountains in greater detail. The Deer Springs Trail is a challenging, designated National Scenic trek that takes you to the San Jacinto peak for an ultimately rewarding experience through memorable desert landscapes.

Find more of the best things to do in Palm Springs here !

Close to downtown Palm Springs, The Paloma Resort is set in historic bungalows with mountain scenery and offers inspired Spanish cuisine in a former mission.

The Travelodge provides travelers with easy access to the town’s best restaurants and shopping while being a great base to explore beyond.

With free onsite parking and complimentary breakfast, the Crashpod Hostel is cozy, inexpensive, and a great place to recuperate.

Day 4 & 5 – Mammoth Lakes

This drive takes 8 hours and 15 minutes from Palm Springs, via Death Valley National Park

Today on your California road trip itinerary, drive from Palm Springs through the ethereal Death Valley. The drive along Route 395 will be unforgettable, delivering you first to Convict Lake and then to the beauty of Mammoth itself.

On the second day, explore the lakes, ride the gondola, and hit the hot springs.

Find more things to do in Southern California here !

• Death Valley National Park

Break up your journey to Mammoth Lakes with a drive through the otherworldly Death Valley National Park. Stop by Badwater Basin and stand almost 240 feet below sea level in the depths of Death Valley.

If you love unique natural scenery, Death Valley is a must on any California road trip!

• Convict Lake

Next, get a sneak peek at Convict Lake. The alpine lake is surrounded by fast-rising peaks and while it’s a sunrise hot spot, its serene beauty can be admired at any point. Just off the highway, you won’t even have to leave the car.

• The Village at Mammoth Lakes

After an enormous and beautiful day on the road, enjoy a relaxing evening in the Village at Mammoth Lakes . Shops, restaurants, and bars combine in this classic mountain village. Enjoy a nice meal before resting up for the day ahead.

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding

There’s no better way to enjoy the enchanting lakes than on a stand-up paddleboard. The handful of nearby bodies of water are often calm and glass-like, leading to ease of movement and the chance to feel small alongside the stunning Sierras.

• The Minaret Vista

On your way to Devil’s Postpile, stop at the Minaret Vista to admire the eternal beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Set in the Eastern Sierra Range, these craggy mountains fall down to vast valleys and feature two soaring spires, including Clyde Minaret.

• The Devils Postpile

A national monument, the Devils Postpile is a formation of giant basalt columns. These were created by lava which cooled over 80,000 years ago. The hexagonal columns can reach up to 60 feet in height.

• Rainbow Falls

A part of the Devils Postpile National Monument , don’t miss out on a trek to Rainbow Falls. Walk from the post pile to discover a 100 feet waterfall whose consistent rainbows gave the fall its name. You can also walk directly here by driving to the Rainbow Fall trailhead.

• Mammoth Mountain Gondola

It’s been a busy day of activity, so take it down a notch with a ride on the Mammoth Mountain Gondola . The ride up lands you at over 11,000 feet. The panoramic views span the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

• Wild Willy’s Hot Spring

End your day with a recuperating experience at Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. It’s been a busy trip so far, so put your legs up in one of the two springs whose temperatures range from 95 degrees up to 105.

From Westin Monache Resort , you can take the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain before returning to make use of your kitchenette as well as the onsite pool and hot tub.

The Tamarack Lodge dates back to the 1920s and, among the included kitchens and private fireplaces, the lodge hasn’t lost any of its charm.

The Moderne Hostel provides guests with large communal and cooking areas, including BBQ facilities, while being close to Mammoth Mountain.

Day 6 – Lake Tahoe

This drive takes 2 hours and 40 minutes from Mammoth Lakes

With one full day in Lake Tahoe, it’ll be up to you how much you explore. Do you choose to focus your day driving through Yosemite National Park on your way there or do you take the direct route to explore local hikes, parks, and lakeside towns? There’s no losing here.

• Yosemite National Park

An option along the drive from Mammoth Lakes is the world-famous Yosemite National Park. You’ll need to make it a priority to explore well, but views of El Capitan and Half Dome make any “detour” worth it. Yosemite National Park is so famous that you may even choose to solely focus today’s exploration on that! Luckily this ultimate California road trip is customizable, and you can easily change it to allow for more time in Yosemite National Park.

• Fallen Leaf Lake

A direct drive to Lake Tahoe leaves ample time to explore. Check out the nearby, charming Fallen Leaf Lake where you can SUP or kayak before enjoying some waterfront eats surrounded by epic mountains.

• Eagle Rock Trail

For rewarding views of Lake Tahoe without a lengthy hike, meander down the Eagle Rock Trail. The mile-long trek is family-friendly and ends with breathtaking views of the lake with enchanting nature along the way.

• Emerald Bay State Park

Along the west shoreline of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find the popular Emerald Bay State Park. Find hiking, swimming, and mountain biking throughout while you can also explore Vikingsholm, with its impressive Scandinavian design.

Visiting the charming mountain town of Tahoe City is a great way to ring in the evening. Along the lake’s edge, the town has elegant mountain architecture, local galleries, plenty of places to eat, and bars in which to toast to a great day.

If you need more ideas for exploring Lake Tahoe after your California road trip, here are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe !

Live in the lap of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton , complete with on-site restaurants, spas, and a pool with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.

A stay at the Mother Nature’s Inn comes with free onsite parking, along with inclusive WiFi and Smart TV, while being close to the beach.

The sprawling Mellow Mountain Hostel is close to Heavenly for skiing, summertime gondola rides, the beach, and some of the best action in South Lake Tahoe.

Day 7 – Sacramento

This drive takes 2 hours from Lake Tahoe

Next on your California road trip, enjoy the drive from Lake Tahoe through the Eldorado National Forest on your way to Sacramento.

Take the time to explore the underrated city where farm-to-table restaurants are much more than a niche. Take in the history and, if you have energy, try your hand at some fun outdoor sports.

• Downtown Sacramento

Culture, history, and food collide in downtown Sacramento. A surprising foodie haven and cocktail paradise, travelers will also be happy to see so many museums and galleries to visit as you’ll discover below.

• California State Railroad Museum

Within the Old Sacramento Historic Park, the California State Railroad Museum is an ode to westward expansion and the worker’s efforts. The latter particularly focuses on the prominent role of Chinese railroad workers. Explore 19 authentic trains before traveling on one yourself.

• The American River Trail

If you prefer to keep experiencing the state’s splendid nature, head to Discovery Park. It’s here you can explore one of America’s great bike trails, the American River Trail which spans 32 miles through brilliant scenery.

• White Water Rafting

Add some adrenaline to your California road trip with some white water rafting. With snow melting from the Sierra Nevada, this part of California is prime for some adrenaline-pumping rafting on the American River.

Looking for more incredible things to do in Sacramento? Check out our ultimate guide here !

In central Sacramento, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel , evokes class and provides high-end amenities with a poolside bar and hotel restaurant.

With easy access to downtown, Wyndham Garden provides a great place to recuperate before with an onsite restaurant and bar, plus free WiFi.

Save money on your California road trip with this incredible hostel! Nestled in a former Victorian mansion, HI Sacramento provides guests with a social experience with a spacious patio and complimentary breakfasts.

Day 8 & 9 – San Francisco

This drive takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Sacramento

Start your day early and head towards the stunning California coast, where you should reach San Francisco by mid-morning. From there, head to the waterfront where you’ll enjoy delicious cuisine and epic bay views.

With two days of your California road trip, take your time in San Francisco, see all the attractions, and even take a day trip to Napa Valley.

• Embarcadero

Canvassing the waterfront of San Francisco, the Embarcadero is the perfect place to start your exploration. As you wander along the boulevard you’ll pass a number of historic piers with excellent views with many offering boat tours into the harbor and Alcatraz Island .

• Fisherman’s Wharf

With gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf is a fantastic lunch spot. The early fishing boats have long gone and the Dungeness crab is ready.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to the Hyde Street Pier and its historic ships.

• Lombard Street

Take your mind away from the famed bridge and you’ll notice how undulating San Francisco is. We mean, it’s crazy steep. Lombard Street represents this best. Home to eight compact turns and beautiful landscaping, it’s a unique drive.

• Golden Gate Bridge

Ok, you’ve been patient. It’s time for the Golden Gate Bridge. The incredible site, of orange arches spread between two rising headlands, will be one of the most memorable parts of any California road trip. Admire it from the Presidio before walking along for amazing views of San Francisco.

• Napa Valley

Finding time for Napa Valley with just two days in San Francisco can be tricky. But lovers of wine and captivating landscapes should make time. An hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley has over 400 wineries covering a range of budgets and styles.

Save time and energy during your visit to Napa Valley with this half-day wine tour .

If you want more ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco !

Your second day in San Francisco is all about nature. Start with an early morning hike up to the Twin Peaks. This slice of untouched nature offers splendid from its summit, at 922 feet.

• Golden Gate Park

San Francisco’s own Central Park, Golden Gate Park combines historic architecture and eye-catching nature. Walk or ride along the miles of trails to discover the Dutch Windmill and Japanese Tea Garden to go alongside its Botanical Garden.

• Ocean Beach

After a busy morning of hiking and biking, take some time to relax at Ocean Beach. The three-mile beach spreads the crowds and allows ample room to take in the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and the far horizon.

• Union Square & Chinatown

Having got enough exercise and sun on day 9 of your California road trip, take some time to indulge. Union Square is the city’s top shopping district and also home to the towering Dewy Monument. Afterward, enjoy some mouthwatering eats in SF’s famed Chinatown.

• Oracle Park

Leave room, of course, for a ballpark hot dog as you end your second day in San Francisco at the beautiful Oracle Park. Set right on the bay, it’s a great place to catch a game of baseball as the sun sets to the west.

The high-end Fairmont Heritage Place provides guests with luxurious apartments with full kitchens and a private terrace complete with a fire pit.

Set in Union Square, Club Donatello is a four-star hotel with an onsite restaurant, and a rooftop lounge, and is close to Oracle Park. Make the most of your California road trip itinerary by choosing mid-range accommodation right near all the best attractions!

Enjoy modern amenities and a lively atmosphere at ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel which is close to Chinatown and the San Francisco waterfront.

Take a look at our list of the 25 best things to do in Northern California if you need more inspiration!

Day 10 – Santa Monica

This drive takes around 9 hours from downtown San Francisco.

After departing San Francisco, you’ll start wrapping up your California road trip by looping around and heading back down to southern California.

Make your way south on a California coast road trip where you’ll soon meet Half Moon Bay and the splendid beauty of one of the most famous roads in America. We’ve saved the best for last!

The Pacific Coast Highway is packed with highlights and epic scenery like the famous Big Sur, making it the perfect way to end your California road trip.

• Pacific Coast Highway

One of the most iconic roads in America, no California road trip is complete without a journey down the famous Pacific Coast Highway. Yes, you can take this drive from the PNW, but the section between San Francisco and Santa Monica is highlight packed.

Read More: Plan your Pacific Coast Highway road trip with our ultimate guide !

• Carmel By the Sea

10 minutes from the famous Monterey, Carmel By the Sea is laden with adorable seaside cottages that lead to white sand beaches. However, the architecture combines with the art scene to be the true highlight. Explore a town once home to Jack London and now over 100 art galleries.

The section of Highway 1 through Big Sur is a shock to the senses, in all the best ways. From tunnels and Pfeiffer Beach to the unforgettable Bixby Bridge, Big Sur is maybe the most scenic spot on this drive. No California road trip is complete without driving through Big Sur!

• Santa Barbara

You’re almost done with your California road trip, so take a break in Santa Barbara ! The stunning town of Santa Barbara is known for seafood, powdery white sand beaches, and fascinating Spanish history. Though you could easily spend days in Santa Barbara, if you’re short on time you can just have a quick driving break here.

• Santa Monica Pier

There’s no better way to end your California road trip itinerary than with a sunset viewing at the Santa Monica Pier. This iconic landmark will appear around the corner as you caress the edge of Malibu along Pacific Coast Highway . Park the car and watch the sky become ablaze before enjoying some of the pier’s rides.

Check out all the best things to do in Santa Monica here .

Enjoy the beauty of the west coast at the charming Shutters On The Beach with an onsite restaurant along with surfboard and bike rentals.

Enjoy free parking, a simple breakfast, an onsite gym, and free WiFi at the Days Inn which is close to major routes into LA.

A block back from the famed local beaches HI LA – Santa Monica is prime for the last night of your California road trip. They offer lots of fun activities, like a pub crawl and group dinners.

This California road trip itinerary takes you around the state, through its major cities and best national parks. You’ll experience a mix of civilization, lush landscapes, and lifeless deserts, sometimes on the same day.

From the cliffs of Big Sur to the mountains of Yosemite to the beaches of Santa Barbara, there is so much to see in California! Even the best California road trips couldn’t really include it all, but we’ve done our best to give you a good introduction.

Ten days is short for a west coast road trip, but it’s better than nothing! As a quick and inspiring glimpse into the Golden State, it’s the perfect platter to decide what you’ll inevitably later explore in greater detail.

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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California Road Trip: A 21-Day Suggested Itinerary

California is the third-largest state in the country and home to over 40 million people, as well as a range of environments and landscapes: dense forests in the north, rugged mountains in the east, majestic deserts in the south, world-class beaches on the coast, and the fabulous wine regions in the west and in the Central Valley.

And it’s perfect for road trips.

I’ve already outlined an awesome seven-day itinerary for Southern California , but today I wanted to share a longer, more comprehensive route for anyone who has a few weeks to explore more of the state’s cities and landscapes.

Even with three weeks, you’ll still miss a lot of great spots in this state (I mean, you could spend months traveling California), but this suggested itinerary hits some of my favorite major — and not so major — places.

Table of Contents

Days 1–3: San Francisco

Day 4: big sur, days 5–7: los angeles, days 8–9: san diego, days 10–12: joshua tree national park, days 13–15: sequoia national park & kings canyon national park, days 16–18: yosemite national park, days 19–20: napa valley, day 21: back to san francisco.

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – When it opened, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge, stretching some 4,200 feet. It offers incredible views of the bay and the ships coming and going. You can walk across it too.
• Tour Alcatraz – Alcatraz is one of the country’s most infamous former prisons. It housed some of the worst criminals, such as Al Capone. Today, it’s a national landmark in which you can take tours of the prison, step foot in the cells, and learn about its history. Admission is $53.25 USD (this includes round-trip transportation by boat, entrance fees, and an audio guide).
• Visit the Beat Museum – Dedicated to the 1950s Beat Generation, this unique museum houses original manuscripts, rare books, letters, and more from authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. It also holds regular events, so check the website to see if anything is happening during your visit. Admission is $8 USD.
• Take a food tour – San Francisco is known for its foodie culture. If you want to cast a wide culinary net and try a lot of different cuisines and dishes, consider taking a food tour. Some companies to check out are SF Native Tours and Secret Food Tours . Tours are generally around $79 USD.
• Explore Chinatown – When immigrants from China first came to America, many set up shop in San Francisco. Today, in the biggest Chinatown in the US, you’ll find some of the best Chinese food in the country, as well as wonderful teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers.
• Relax at Golden Gate Park – This gigantic park is a great place to walk or relax. It features a Japanese garden, museums, an arboretum, a carousel, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s 20% bigger than New York’s Central Park, so you easily could spend an entire day here!

For more suggestions, here’s a detailed list of things to see and do in San Francisco .

Where to Stay

• HI San Francisco – Downtown – HI Downtown has some standard perks, like free breakfast and free towels, but the staff also organize a lot of events, including pub crawls, trips to Muir Woods and Yosemite, and bike tours across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Green Tortoise Hostel – This lively hostel is my favorite in the city. It offers free breakfast, free dinners multiple times per week, and even a free sauna! It’s a party hostel, so be sure to stay here only if you’re looking to meet people and get rowdy.

For more suggestions, here’s a full list of my favorite hostels in San Francisco!

And if you need a rental car to kick-start your trip, check out Discover Cars . They search rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.  

Where to Stay I suggest staying at least one night around Big Sur (or just south of the region) to split up the drive to LA. If you don’t have camping gear, Airbnb has a lot of places around the area. You can also just pop into any of the numerous cheap motels nearby too.  

Here are some suggestions on how to fill your days:

• Hit the beach – Venice Beach is an iconic LA hot spot where you’ll encounter all kinds of street performers, surfers, roller skaters, and locals and tourists alike soaking up the sun. Other beaches worth checking out are Carbon Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and El Matador.
• See the Le Brea Tar Pits – Located in Hancock Park, these natural asphalt pits have existed for over 50,000 years. Tons of fossils preserved for centuries have been found in them, and there’s a museum nearby that has lots of interesting information about them and how they came to be. Adult admission is $15 USD.
• See the Hollywood Sign – You can snap pictures of the sign from pretty much anywhere in Hollywood. However, it’s also possible to hike up to the sign itself to take in the view. The three trails that you can take (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Bring water, because the hike will take a few hours.
• Visit LACMA – Home to some 150,000 works, the LA County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western USA. It has collections from pretty much every era throughout history and every region of the world. Admission is $25 USD.
• See The Last Bookstore – This is one of my favorite bookstores in the world. It also sells records, has art displays, and features a cool upstairs area with cheap used books. Browse the shelves, grab a coffee, and buy a book for your journey.
• Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard – Don’t miss the Walk of Fame (where celebrities have their names engraved in the sidewalk) and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (featuring stars’ handprints and footprints).
• Tour the Getty Museum – This art museum opened in 1997 and boasts a diverse collection of paintings, manuscripts, drawings, and other artwork. The collection runs from the 8th century to the present day, so there is something for everyone. Admission is free.
• Go hiking – Get out and stretch your legs on the city’s hiking trails. Some worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail (90 minutes), Baldwin Hills (30 minutes), Runyon Canyon (45 minutes), Portuguese Bend Reserve (3 hours), and Echo Mountain (3-3.5 hours).
• Visit The Broad – This contemporary art museum is one of the city’s newest. Opened in 2015, it has over 2,000 pieces of art. It also has a rotating series of temporary exhibitions too (check the website to see what’s on during your visit). Admission is free, though you must reserve a timed entry slot in advance.

For a much longer list on what to see and do in LA, check out my Los Angeles travel guide .

Moreover, the city also has innumerable world-class food options. Some places I really like are Musso & Frank Grill, Dan Tana’s, Meals by Genet, The Butcher’s Daughter, and Sugarfish.

• Banana Bungalow Hollywood – A laid-back but social hostel that organizes lots of activities and makes it easy to meet people. If you want to party and have fun, this is the place for you!
• Freehand Los Angeles – This hostel/hotel features designer rooms with comfortable beds, a rooftop pool and bar with amazing views of the city, a lobby bar, a restaurant, and even a fitness center.

For more suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in Los Angeles.  

Here are some suggestions for things to see and do during your visit:

• Visit the USS Midway Museum – This aircraft carrier, commissioned right after World War II, was the largest ship in the world until 1955 and saw action in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam. It was decommissioned in 1992 and became a museum. You can explore the flight deck as well as many of the rooms below. Admission is $32 USD and you can get them in advance here .
• Hike Point Loma – Walk out to the tip of the peninsula where Europeans first arrived in California and enjoy the serene views, visit the lighthouse (built in 1855), and watch locals climb the rocks and cliffs of Osprey Point.
• Explore the San Diego Zoo – This is one of the best zoos in the country. Located in Balboa Park (see below), it has over 3,500 animals and 700,000 plant species. It’s a massive, 1,800-acre park where you could easily spend an entire day. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss it. A one-day adult pass is $72 USD.
• Admire Balboa Park – In addition to the zoo, Balboa Park also offers dozens of museums, as well as walking paths, sports fields, gardens, greenhouses, stadiums, theaters, and much more. It’s one of the oldest recreational parks in the country.
• Enjoy Pacific Beach – If you want to soak up the sun, swim, or surf, head to Pacific Beach. If you’re a night owl, the area also has lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
• Go whale-watching – California gray whales, which can grow up to 49 feet and live for over 70 years, migrate from Alaska to Mexico each year between December and April. They are incredible to see up close, and tours are quite affordable (usually around $39 USD).
• Relax in Belmont Park – This is a kitschy amusement park right next to the ocean. It has a few classic rides, as well as games and lots of greasy (and delicious) snacks. It’s cheesy but fun!
• Go surfing – Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, grab a board and hit the waves. There’s some awesome surfing here. You can usually rent a board for around $60 USD a day. Lessons cost around $130-150 USD and last 90 minutes.
• HI San Diego – HI San Diego organizes lots of events and tours that make it easy to meet other travelers. Breakfast is included, and there’s also a big kitchen so you can cook your own food to save money.
• ITH Adventure Hostel – This is an eco-friendly hostel with a vegetable garden (guests get free veggies), a recycling and compost program, and even backyard chickens. There is lots of outdoor common space to relax in too.

If you’re on a budget, here’s a list of the best hostels in San Diego for you.  

The park was declared a national monument in 1936 and designated a national park in 1994. There are a lot of trails here, so consult the trail map when you visit. Some of my favorites are:

• Barker Dam Trail – A quick 1.1-mile loop on which you can see wildlife such as rabbits, bighorn sheep, and all kinds of birds.
• Wall Street Mill – An easy 2.8-mile hike that leads to an old mill used to refine ore from nearby gold mines.
• Ryan Mountain – A steep 3-mile hike offering some incredible views.
• Split Rock Loop – A quiet 2-mile hike with lots of neat rock formations.

A seven-day vehicle pass for the park is $30 USD (it allows multiple entries in case you stay in one of the nearby towns).

Where to Stay Airbnb is the best option if you don’t have your own camping gear, although there are also glamping and more rustic options.  

Start your visit at the Giant Forest Museum to learn about the history, geography, and importance of the park and its flora and fauna. Afterward, walk the Big Trees Trail, a short loop that will get you in and among the trees so you can see them up close.

For a sweeping view of the forest and surrounding landscape, hike up Moro Rock, a massive 250-foot granite dome that juts out of the surrounding hills and forest. Stairs and a concrete viewpoint were built into the rock itself, so you can safely climb to the top and enjoy the magnificent vista.

And for more hiking options and beautiful scenery, visit nearby Kings Canyon National Park. Here you’ll find “General Grant” (the third largest tree in the world). For a scenic drive, cruise along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Both parks are around 4-6 hours from Joshua Tree. Combined admission for both parks is $35 USD. If you plan on visiting a lot of national parks and federal lands on your road trip, you might want to get an America the Beautiful parks pass ($80 for a one-year pass).

Where to Stay There are tons of places to camp here (both inside and outside of the parks). However, there are also lots of lodges and hotels if camping is not for you. Booking.com is the best place to search for affordable options.  

Yosemite is also where you’ll find El Capitán, the towering granite cliff you’ve likely seen on social media (it was also featured in the documentary, Free Solo , where elite rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the cliff face without ropes or other protective gear).

Here are a few hiking suggestions to help you get started:

• Mirror Lake – An easy 2-mile hike to the lake. Takes 1-2 hours.
• Nevada Falls Trail – A challenging 5.8-mile hike to the top of the Nevada Falls waterfall. Takes 5–6 hours.
• Tuolumne Grove Nature Trail – An easy 2.5-mile hike around a grove filled with massive giant sequoia trees. Takes 1–2 hours.
• Elizabeth Lake Trail – A moderate 4.8-mile hike that leads to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. Takes 4–5 hours.
• Eagle Peak Trail – A difficult 6.9-mile hike to the top of the peak and back. Takes 8 hours.

Be sure to visit the visitors’ center on arrival to get information on activities, prices, and the latest weather. Admission is $35 USD and reservations to enter the park are required for peak hours and seasons.

Where to Stay If you aren’t planning to camp, there are actually many other options here. Lodges, resorts, and hotels can be found both inside the park and all around it. Use Airbnb or Booking.com to find a place to stay.  

While it’s a particularly expensive region of the state, it is possible to visit Napa Valley on a budget if you plan ahead and share costs with other people.

If you’re on a budget, stick to the markets and sandwich shops. Gott’s Roadside has locations in both Napa and St. Helena and serves yummy burgers for $10-15 USD , while Ad Hoc runs a lunch-only food truck called Addendum offering delicious fried chicken made by a Michelin-star chef (only open Friday & Saturday).

Where to Stay While some vineyards offer accommodation, they are usually super expensive. Unless you’re looking to splurge, use Airbnb . I find the best value accommodation in the area on that site.  

It’s time to head back to San Francisco. The drive is around 90 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to make stops along the way if you see anything that piques your interest.

This three-week itinerary will help you cover a lot of ground without being too rushed. Adjust the route as you go (or based on the amount of time you have). But no matter the route you pick, the diversity and beauty of California will ensure you’ll have a wonderful road trip.

Book Your Trip to the USA: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Need an Affordable Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

And if you need an RV, RVshare lets you rent RVs from private individuals all around the country, saving you tons of money in the process. It’s like Airbnb for RVs, making road trips fun and affordable!

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to the US for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Jet Lagged Mama

Let your Dreams of Travel be Bigger than your Fears

California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days

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Pacific Coast Highway

Dreaming of driving along the California coast for days on end? With the windows down and the cool sea breeze coming off the Pacific Ocean? We have the perfect California road trip Itinerary 7 days for you. The Pacific Coast Highway road trip winds along the California coast with endless spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Better yet stop and catch a wave or feel the sand between your toes, walk along the famous boardwalks, or out on the piers. There are endless Instagram worthy destinations on this road trip.

In this Pacific Coast Highway, California road trip itinerary 7 days, we will start in San Diego and drive north along Highway 1 in California. The Pacific Coast Highway does run all the way into Washington State along the Oregon Coast and Washington coast if you have more time. If you are interested in starting in Seattle or going further than Northern California, check out our Northern Pacific Coast Highway road trip here. By exploring both of these posts you can drive from Seattle all the way to San Diego along the Pacific Highway Coast road trip.

Take a look at this post from Florida Man on the Run for more awesome places to stop along these incredible road trips.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

The Pacific Coast Highway is made up of two highways and runs all the way from San Diego to Seattle. In California, you will follow Highway 1 until you get closer to the Redwoods then you will follow highway 101 from the border of California, along the Oregon Coast, up the Washington Coast to Seattle.

The Pacific Coast Highway is also known as Highway 1, PCH, Route 1, Highway 101, or California Coast Road Trip. There are a lot of different names but they all mean the same thing and will get you to the same destination. The Pacific Coast Highway goes through some of the best beach towns in the USA.

Pacific Coast Highway – California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days

The best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway in California is any time of year that works for you. The beauty of traveling on the California coast is that the weather is almost the same all year round. My favorite time of year to travel to California is in the winter. Especially if you are coming from out of state and it is probably cold where you are at in the winter.

• San Diego – Coronado Beach – Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo
• Los Angeles and its beaches to Santa Barbara
• San Luis Obispo – Hearst Castle
• Big Sur – Monterey Bay
• Point Bonita Lighthouse- San Francisco
• San Francisco to Fort Bragg Glass Beach
• Humboldt Redwood Forest & State Park

How many days do I need to do the PCH road trip?

There are too many wonderful places to stop along the coast to even name. I would give yourself at least one week to travel from San Diego to the Redwood Forests of Nothern California. That is why this California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days is condensed and gets you to some amazing stops along the way.

If you just want to enjoy the coast and drive it straight through, it will take you about 11 hours, but then you’d miss all the great California Road Trip stops and destinations. The beauty of a road trip is that you can make them what you want. Just because we say this should be 7 Days doesn’t mean that you won’t want to add on another day or two for visits to Disney Land or maybe spend more time in San Francisco.

California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days – Cost

How do you budget for a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip? The first place you need to start is are you going to rent a car or drive your own? That will be one of your biggest upfront cost. Check CarRentals.com to compare rates and find the best deal.

I suggest renting a car if you’re going to take a long road trip. The reason for this is because driving long distances puts a lot of wear and tear on your car. The cost of the rental car will be less than the long term wear and tear on your car. The other benefit of renting a car is you can shorten your trip. You can drive one way and then drop off the rental car and fly back.

Budget For PCH Road Trip

• Rental car for 7 days: $225 – $400
• Food cost: $50 per person per day
• Hotel cost: $150-250 per night
• Gasoline cost: $60 per day (depends on your car)
• Total cost for 7 days for 2 people: $1,800- $2,200

California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip on a budget

You can easily take the Pacific Coast Highway road trip on a budget. You can drive your own car. That will save you a lot of upfront money.

The next best way to take the Pacific Coast Highway road trip on a budget is to camp along the way instead of staying in hotels. That will save you the most money. The camping along the Pacific Coast Highway is some of the best in the world. You will definitely add to your road trip if you camp along the way. Check out this ultimate camping pack list so you don’t forget a thing! I remember camping in the Redwoods near San Franciso as a kid and the ground was so soft I didn’t even need the pad for the sleeping bag.

Another huge money saver is packing your own meals. Road trips have so many benefits and being able to pack your own food is a huge benefit and a great way to save money along the way.

Just remember to pack a good cooler for the road trip snacks and food. Here’s a great option from Amazon. You’ll want a good cooler so that you are not having to stop all the time, and it can keep food fresh. Packing your own food on a road trip will save you money and it’s healthier than typical road trip food.

Also read: Tips That Will Save You Money On Your Trip

Let’s get started on this California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days!

Day 1: san diego.

We are going to start our epic road trip in beautiful San Diego. If you have never been to San Diego, make sure to take at least one night to enjoy this beautiful city. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in San Diego!

Top things to do in San Diego

Balboa park & san diego zoo.

The number one thing to do in San Diego is Balboa Park. You could easily spend days at Balboa Park. There are many things that are free to do and see in Balboa Park. The park is right in the heart of the city. The most famous part of the park is the world-famous Zoo. You should plan on visiting the San Diego Zoo. You can spend all day here and it would be worth every minute, but do plan at least a half-day at the zoo. There is so much to do and see in Balboa so I’ll narrow it down to the best of the Balboa here:

• The world-famous San Diego Zoo.
• Take epic Instagram photos with the Spanish architecture at The California Tower or at the Spanish Village.
• Visit their awesome museums.
• Walkthrough the Japanese Friendship Gardens.

Coronado Island and Coronado Beach

This is one of the most picturesque beaches you will see in California, especially if you include the iconic Coronado Hotel. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach in front of the famous Coronado Hotel. Then you can go inside for dinner or just quick ice cream.

Wander the main streets of Coronado and go in and out of the endless local shops. As a kid, one of my favorite things to do was just driving over the bridge from San Diego to Coronado. This large structure and driving over to the beach bring back great memories and now my kids love it too.

The island has amazing views of downtown San Diego, take a drive and soak it all in. The best time of day to be on Coronado Island is at sunset. Then you can sit on the beach and watch the sunset slowly into the sky.

Old Town San Diego

If you have wondered what it would be like to travel back in time to the old west or better yet, old Mexico, then Old Town San Diego is a fun and historic stop. Old Town San Diego has endless activities for kids and adults. Your kids will love making candles and the endless souvenir shops. The adults will love the restaurants where you can get great Mexican food, watch tortillas being made fresh, and margaritas.

Other notable stops around San Diego to visit

San Diego has so many notable places to visit that you could spend your entire Pacific Coast Highway road trip just in and around San Diego. If you do happen to spend a couple of days here.

• Wild Animal Park – Discover herds of animals in a more natural habitat.
• Sea World San Diego
• La Jolla Cove

If you are on a tight schedule you can always book a tour. Sometimes it is easier for someone else to plan your itinerary and you just enjoy the ride. Book your tours and reservations to one or all of the places above ahead of time here!

Time to hit the road

We are now going to officially start our Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Find your way to Interstate 5 and drive north. The Pacific Coast Highway actually starts one hour north of San Diego in Dana Point. You can stay along Highway 1 but you will hit a lot of beach towns that will add extra time, but it could be fun to expire. You decide what works best for on this road trip, but to stick to the 7 days we are going to take you on Interstate 5 for a while.

Day 2: Los Angeles

The beaches of southern la.

When you think of California, you think of Hollywood and beach bodies. Endless white sand beaches for surfing and boardwalks for walking, skateboarding and rollerblading. Just one hour north of San Diego, you will arrive at Laguna Beach. This is quintessential California. So make sure to throw in your beach essentials to enjoy your time at the beach.

As you drive north on Highway 1, the next 50 miles are packed with infamous beaches, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Long Beach. You name it, they’ve got it. So what are the best places to stop for the perfect beach spot? This all depends on what you want to do. Are you into surfing, maybe you like the secluded beach, maybe you want to make your way to the gyms of muscle beach?

Newport Beach vs Huntington Beach vs Laguna Beach

So which one of these amazing beach towns should you stop at on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Here are a few things to consider. First of all, out of these three, Huntington Beach is the least attractive. Unless you are a surfer and then this would be at the top of your list. Huntington Beach is also known as Surf City. You will also find the international surf museum in Huntington Beach, but I would recommend skipping this one out of the three unless you can surf.

Laguna Beach is probably one of the most famous beaches in California. When you see movies and tv shows in LA, this is typically beachfront you will see. This awesome beach has a gorgeous boardwalk and tons of charm. The downside is that it can be extremely crowded! My favorite beach here is the Treasure Island beach, you’ll find beautiful white sand and fewer crowds.

Newport Beach is the best out of these three for swimming. In my opinion, it has just as much charm as Laguna but not as many crowds. There are fire pits if you’re lucky to grab one and roast some marshmallows on the beach.

Day 2: More stops in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the city of Angels, has a ton to do and see. Take a few side trips to see some of these attractions that are infamous in US history. So where should you stop in LA on your California Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

• The Hollywood Sign. You can really stretch your legs here and hike the Hollywood Hills to the infamous Hollywood Sign.
• Walk the Hollywood Walk of fame. See the handprints of all the Hollywood stars!
• Take a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier
• Pop over to Venice Beach and Muscle Beach
• Window shop on Rodeo Drive

Let someone else do the driving so you can really take in the sites. Check out the awesome tours that Klook has to offer in Los Angeles. They have lots of different tour options in LA. My favorite tour in LA is the Hop on Hop off the bus . I love it because you can just ride and listen to a tour of the city. If you see something you like, you can get off and walk around, then get back on when you’re ready.

Honestly, you can spend 7 days in LA and still not see everything you want, but take the time here that you need and so that you don’t miss anything that you’d like to see.

As you continue north on the Pacific Highway, the next stop has to be Malibu! Malibu has endless miles of stunning and swimmable beaches. Make sure to throw in your swimming suits so you can cool off in the ocean.

Although this isn’t the Sonoma Valley, Malibu does have some vineyards. Many Angelenos will come here on the weekends to escape the city. If you are traveling with kids. Maybe stop the Malibu Wine Safaris. This combines the experience of an upscale winery and zoo nature tour. See Giraffe’s, Zebras, and much more. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that!

I would suggest stopping at El Matador State Beach . I love this beach because it has an awesome sea arch that makes for great pictures! It is known as Malibu’s best-kept secret. This beach also offers the perfect white sand that dreams are made of. The only downside of this beach is that the parking lot is small. Be prepared it does get crowded on the weekends and in the afternoon.

Spend the night in Santa Barbara

We’ve driven a lot of miles for one day and seen a lot of awesome things. It’s time to settle down for a night. Santa Barbara makes the perfect place to stop and rest for the night.

Day 3: Santa Barbara – San Luis Obispo – Hearst Castle

Where to stay in santa barbara.

Santa Barbara has a lot of unique hotels to stay in while you’re passing through town. Santa Barbara is divided up into smaller neighborhoods, there are many great places to stay in each neighborhood. Here are a few of my favorites:

• West Beach: Harbor View Inn , I love this one because it is right on the beach and just 5 minutes from the Wharf.
• Upper East Side: Simpson House Inn. This luxurious inn will not disappoint. It is a beautiful luxury estate in the heart of Santa Barbara.
• Montecito: The Montecito Inn is a classic hotel that you will love. This hotel was actually built by Charlie Chaplin and will give you a classic Californian experience.

For more information and other great hotels check out The Crazy Tourist’s list of the best hotels in Santa Barbara.

What to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is like most of the Pacific Coast Highway because it offers amazing beaches where you can easily spend the entire day relaxing and soaking up the sun. But if you’d like to see some sites, Santa Barbara has this to offer as well.

• The number one thing to see is the Mission Santa Barbara . They are open every day and you can take a self-guided tour of the mission for free.
• Ride bikes on the boardwalk along the beach. There are always vendors ready to rent a bike to you lined up along the beach.
• Go to the top of the Santa Barbara Court House for amazing views.
• Get your hands wet at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center. You really do get hands-on experience with the local sea life.
• If you have time for a side trip, take a drive to Solvang. It is about a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara. This Danish like home feels like you traveled to Denmark. You will love wandering the streets and taking pictures with the windmill.

Continue your California Road Trip Itinerary 7 days – Pacific Coast Highway

It’s time to hit the road again. Now that you’ve enjoyed beautiful Santa Barbara, it’s time to get back on the road. Find your way back to Highway 1 and head North. Drive along the coast and take in the views for a couple of hours until you get to San Luis Obispo. It is about 2 hours north of Santa Barbara.

San Luis Obispo

Another great place to stop is at San Luis Obispo. This town is right by Morro Bay. It is the perfect place to stop for lunch. Take a walk through bubble gum alley and leave your mark on the wall. If you are passing through on a weekend, make sure to check out the SLO farmers market for some local favorites.

Morro Bay is an excellent stop along Highway 1. This place has awesome beaches and there is also a giant mound of ancient volcano ash standing in the middle of the ocean. This mound makes for awesome Instagram photos. Check out this great post by Practical Wanderlust all about Morro Bay .

Moonstone Beach

Just 30 minutes north of San Luis Obispo make sure to stop at Moonstone beach. This beach got its name because it is often covered in shiny gemstones. My kids love to stop at this beach and collect as many shiny gemstones as they can fit in their pockets.

Hearst Castle

Just an hour north of San Luis Obispo sits one the most spectacular castles in the United States, Hearst Castle. This 165-room estate was the former estate of William Randolph Hearst, a wealthy newspaper tycoon. There are few places in the United States that can capture the beauty of this place.

The property, has its own theater, billiard room, beauty salon, and pair of dazzling swimming pools. The Neptune Pool, in particular, is something you would see on the Alfimi cost of Italy or French Meditraian. Let’s not forget the Italian relief sculptures that line the property.

This is a must stop for your instagram feed or to view and see a part of American history.

Day 4: Big Sur – Monterey Bay

About 2 hours north of San Luis Obispo, you will find one of the most magnificent sites in all of California. Big Sur is a stretch of beach on one side and the gorgeous mountains on the other side of you.

*Beware if you are prone to carsickness, this stretch of road will not be kind to you. The road winds through the mountains and around the coast. It is beautiful but make regular stops so you don’t get sick.

The best things to do in Big Sur

Big Sur is filled with amazing hikes and State Parks. Take your time in this area of your California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. We’ve given you almost a full day to explore this area or even take a full day. I would suggest planning a few hikes in this area. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and the sites are worth it.

My favorite hike in this area is the Limekiln Trails. I love these trails that go through the Redwoods. This is my favorite hike because I love all the shade that the giant trees give off. The kids love this hike too because they can jump around the mall river and in and out of the trees. There are a series of short trails in this area which also makes it perfect for kids.

Take a look at this post from Ragged Point for 10 of the best hikes in Big Sur.

Don’t forget to pack a few things for your hike. I love a great hiking backpack to throw in our snacks, my phone, and tissues. This is my favorite kind on Amazon. I prefer a small weight backpack when I’m hiking because I usually have a kid on my shoulders at too.

It’s always a good idea when you’re hiking and on a road trip to have a small first aid kit. I swear my kids are always falling and skinning a knee or an elbow. Or they just need a band-aid to feel better. So I throw this awesome little first aid kit in my backpack so I’m always prepared.

McWay Falls

Before you get to the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur you will not want to miss this waterfall. The waterfall is stunning, dropping some 80 feet onto a beach in a secluded cove. How many waterfalls have you seen that go right on to the beach? It is a short half-a-mile round trip hike to a viewpoint for McWay Falls, which can be reached directly from Highway 1 or from parking areas within Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park.

Bixby Creek Bridge – Big Sur

Bixby Creek Bridge is probably the most famous icon or site of Big Sur. Most visitors come just to capture a shot of the Bixby Bridge, but don’t skip all of Big Sur just to get here. Take your time as Bixby Bridge is on the North end of Big Sur.

Rocky Creek Bridge

Rocky Creek Bridge is an arch bridge on the Big Sur coast of California on the Pacific Coast Highway. Don’t mistake Rocky Creek Bridge for Bixby Creek Bridge. It is an attractive bridge in its own right and still worth the stop and to take a couple of photos. The views from Rocky Creek Bridge are better than Bixby Creek. The cliffs are steep so be careful if you are traveling with little kids and decide to hike around. Keep a close eye on them. In the spring the flowers drape down along the cliffs making it a beautiful backdrop.

Where to stay in Big Sur

There is so much to see and do in Big Sur, so let’s stop here and spend the night. Where are the best places to stay in Big Sur? If you are keen to camp, this is the perfect place to find a campground and pitch your tent. I also suggest staying here because it is less expensive than the San Francisco area which will be our next stops.

My favorite camping spot in Big Sur is the Treebones Resort . They have luxury yurts so you don’t have to pack all your camping gear. They also have an onsite organic garden, restaurant, and epic views of the Pacific Ocean! This place does not disappoint.

Take in the views and get your rest because we have a lot of amazing things to see tomorrow. We are going to continue north to the stunning Monterey California.

Best things to do in Monterey, California

Monterey is the perfect stop between Big Sur and before arriving in San Francisco. Once again the Pacific Coast Highway does not disappoint when it comes to beautiful beach towns. Maybe you have heard of Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is one of the best in the world, and that’s not just a tourist pitch. I have been to it multiple times as a kid and as an adult, it never disappoints!

First and foremost is the fact that the Bay itself is a geological and ecological phenom that boasts some of the most amazing species of aquatic life all gathered in a relatively small space. Additionally, the Bay has an extremely deep drop off that allows for deep-ocean exploration in a relatively safe environment.

The Aquarium sits at the end of Cannery Row in Monterey. Cannery Row is also another destination to visit in Monterey. Made famous by Author Jon Stienbeck, the streets are lined with sardine canneries that have now become known as Cannery Row. The row has changed over the years, but it is a great place to shop and to get some delicious fresh seafood.

There is so much to see and do in Monterey, you could book a tour for one day . This will help you maximize your time so that you can get the most out of your day in Monterey.

Other very notable stops around Monterey Bay to check out if you have the time:

• The River Road Wine Trail – Salinas Valley
• Pinnacles National Park – 1 Hour from Monterey
• Moss Landing State Beach – Sea Otters come here in clusters
• Carmel-by-the-sea
• Pebble Beach – If you are a golfer it’s a must stop on this road trip.

Day 5: Best things to see in San Francisco

We’ve now completed 5 days of our California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days. We’ve been able to see so much along the Pacific Coast Highway. We have now arrived in the infamous San Francisco.

San Francisco is an incredible city that brings in people from all across the United States and from around the world together. In 2019 San Francisco saw 25.8 million visitors. And who wouldn’t want to stop here?

Now San Francisco is a big compact city. If you are not comfortable navigating a big city. I recommend taking a tour. This way you can see many of the wonderful sites without the hassle of traffic and crowds.

CAUTION: Parking in San Francisco can be difficult to find and it is expensive. Plan your parking in central locations so you can walk to many sites. This is another advantage of taking a tour, you can park in their lot and let them drive around the city.

Don’t forget a rain jacket when you go to San Francisco, you never know when it will rain! For me, I love this Columbia jacket on Amazon, it is super lightweight and easy to throw in my bag. They also make the same jacket for men here.

Also, San Francisco’s weather is unpredictable, it can be warm during the day and cold in the evening. Always carry a jacket with you. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable in San Francisco weather.

Best stops in San Francisco

• The Golden Gate Bridge: The iconic orange arches against the rocky seaside stretching over the San Francisco Bay. The bridge is not only beautiful but an American symbol. The bridge is beautiful but if you want to get a couple of great pictures, head to the Vista Point. It is high on the hill overlooking San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Golden Gate Park: This park is equivalent to Central Park in New York City. Have a picnic here or visit the Japanese Tea Garden. Maybe rent a bike or just walk along the trails and take in some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the city.
• Alcatraz: Sitting in the bay on a small rocky island, the former prison was well known for housing famous American Criminals. Between the ferry ride to the island with views of San Francisco and the up-close history with the prison make it a fun and educational attraction. If this is your first time to San Francisco, I would definitely recommend taking the time to go out to Alcatraz.
• Riding Cable Cars: The Cable Cars of San Francisco are the last of its kind in American history. Cable cars used to be all over big cities but as cars became more accessible cable cars began to disappear. I love to pick it up by Fisherman’s Warf. Get a ticket and hop on and off as you climb over the hills of San Francisco.

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Located in Golden Gate National Recreation Area and not far from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, heading north on Highway 1, Point Bonita Lighthouse sits. Only the 3rd lighthouse built in California in 1855 and still used today.

This is a Californian secret place in the Bay Area. To the lighthouse, it is a short walk from the parking lot, but the views are breathtaking of the Pacific Ocean and of the city. You might even catch a glimpse of some passing sea life, like a humpback whale or sea lions.

Point Bonita Lighthouse walk is lots of fun. You can only reach it on a path the passes through a rock-cut tunnel and then you pass over a suspension bridge. Just the walk alone is worth a stop.

The whitewashed bridge and white lighthouse make for Instagram worthy pictures. The lighthouse has limited hours to visit inside but you are free to walk around the grounds. Make sure to check the hours before you visit Point Bonita Lighthouse you can find the hours here on the Golden Gate National Parks website.

Where to stay in or around San Francisco?

Just about 30 minutes north on Highway 1 you will get your first taste of the Redwoods. Here you will find Muir Woods National Monument. There are not any camping locations in Muir Woods National Monument but there are many options around in the Redwood Forest. A couple of places to camp in the redwoods would be; Pantoll Campground & Alice Eastwood Camping.

We will be getting to the Redwood Forest in the next day. If you want to stay closer to the city you will want to check out Rob Hill Campground . Perche above Baker Beach and at Presidio’s highest point this is one of only two campgrounds in San Francisco.

Day 6: San Francisco to Fort Bragg Glass Beach

Driving north from San Francisco and Muir Woods on Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway. From here the roads become a little windier and might take a little longer between destinations, but that doesn’t mean that the drive is any less beautiful. Actually I never get tired of the coast and the mix of redwoods. We are now on day 6 of our California road trip itinerary for 7 days.

Hog Island Oysters

I’m not a huge fan of Oysters, but even I had to try them and so should you. As you head to the town of Marshall, along the Tomales Bay, you will find one of the best oyster-eating experiences anywhere.

Many people say that they haven’t had real oysters until they’ve had Hog Island oysters. Look for the Hog Island Oyster Company. This is the best place where you can sit out on the deck with your fresh oyster.

Sonoma Coast Vineyard & Salt Water Taffy

If you are looking for Sonoma wine adventure you don’t have to travel off the Pacific Coast Highway. Sonoma County stretches across highway 1 to the Pacific coast.

About 10-20 minutes up the coast from Hog Island you will find a wonderful small bay, Bodega Bay. It has wonderful views of the bay and the pacific coast, but it also has your first chance to experience Sonoma Wine.

Along highway 1 you will find Sonoma Coast Vineyards . Stop by and sample some of the fine wines in their tasting room. Check the website for more wine tasting experiences. Indulge in some amazing wines as you sit back and relax in Sonoma.

If you are road tripping with kids you might want to make a stop at Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy shop. The brightly painted pink stripes stand out in the coastal city. The taffy is delicious and the prices are low for candy.

Jenner California

There are not a lot of large towns in this part of California and the Pacific Coast Highway, but Jenner is one of the larger towns that is worth a stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. This is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner.

Jenner has plenty to see and do on its own. If you’ve packed your kayak and haven’t had a chance to use it along the coast, you can pull it out here and play along the Russian River. The water is calm here at the mouth of the Russian River. Here is the inflatable kayak that we pack along with us. We picked it up on Amazon. It is easy to pack, fast to inflate, and makes for great adventures along the way.

Pygmy Forest & Point Arean Lighthouse

This is a great fun place to stretch your legs and take a little hike. This is a unique forest along the coast. The forest is created through something known as an ecological staircase.

From the top, you find the Redwoods and as you come down the ecological staircase towards the coast the formations are newer. Here is where you will find this Pygmy forest. The trees in this area are smaller than normal, almost like someone shrunk them.

Point Arean Lighthouse

If you are like me, I love to see lighthouses. No matter their size or location. I think they are such a unique sight and usually, they have the best views of the ocean.

For a small fee, you can climb up this lighthouse. You have to travel down a 2-mile dirt road but it’s not bad. This 115 Foot Tall Lighthouse is historic built-in 1870.

Glass Beach – MacKerricher State Park

Yes, the beach is full of glass. An interesting fact about this beach is that it was once a trash dump many years ago. In 1967 city leaders closed the area for clean up, but the glass and pottery are all that remain of the old dumping grounds.

The glass bottles have now become smooth colorful pebbles on the beach. The beach is truly one to witness. Unfortunately, it is illegal to take any glass from the Glass Beach, but visit some of the other nearby beaches if you want to discover washed up sea glass.

Once you get to the beach you will see small pieces of glass that are strewn all over the sand. People have take most of the blues, greens, and other colored glass, so most of what is left is clear or white. Besides the beautiful glass beach, there are awesome tide pools that have sea anemones, crabs, and starfish, mixed with sea glass that is still being washed up.

Pudding Creek Beach & Wooden Train Trestle

After spending time exploring Glass Beach, you will venture up the coast a couple of minutes to Pudding Creek Beach. There are many multi-use trails that lead down to the beach. The beach has a wonderful view of an old wooden train trestle arching the creek entering the ocean.

You can explore outcropping and other tidal pools. At low tide, you will find treasure. As the sea retreats back it makes for views of crabs, mollusks, anemones, mixed with beautiful pieces of smooth glass.

Day 7: Humboldt Redwood Forest & State Park

We’ve made it! Our last day of our California road trip itinerary 7 days. We’ve seen so much along the way and I am super excited about this last place. We’ve been through some of the biggest and most populous cities in America, and now it’s time to stretch our legs and get some fresh air.

From Fort Bragg and Glass beach, you will drive north on Highway 1 for about 2 hours before reaching Humboldt Redwood Forest. If you are still a kid a heart you will want to say that you have driven through a redwood tree. Lucky for you these redwood trees are large enough to drive through.

Drive through a redwood tree – Chandelier Tree

Chandelier drive-thru tree stands 276 feet tall (84m). With a width of over 6 feet wide. The tree gets its name from the unique limbs that resemble a chandelier. The limbs of the tree begin at 100 feet above the ground. The branches drape down like giant arms. There is a gift shop, day-use picnic area, duck pond, and 200-acre park deer, ducks, and other wildlife and plenty of redwood forest trails to explore.

The redwood tree is believed to have been carved through in the early 1930s by Charlie Underwood. Tree carving is now prohibited but in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this became fairly common throughout the redwoods and sequoias, as carving severely damages the trees. So take advantage of this rare and unique experience.

Tip: try to avoid visiting Chandelier Tree on the weekends as it can get busy from people getting out of the city. It could take an hour or two extra to drive thru the redwood tree.

If you’d like to continue your road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, we have the perfect Northern Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip for you. Continue on this once in a lifetime road trip!

Wrap Up On Pacific Coast Highway – California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days

Wow-what a road trip! This is by far some of my favorite places in the world. I love the California coast, there is nothing like it in the whole world. I hope you enjoyed your Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip. If you want to continue this road trip, you can check out our Northern Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. This takes you from Northern California all the way to Seattle. Driving along the Oregon and Washington coast.

Other Road Trip Ideas

Best Road Trips in the USA

Road Trip Essentials Checklist

Camping Essentials Checklist

Love it – Pin it!

This would be a dream trip for me! I’m spending a few days out in California this fall and I hope to visit a couple of these places.

California has so many awesome places to visit! I hope you have a great time while you are there.

Reading this was so exciting, it’s my dream to do a road trip of the East Coast! Great to know that you can do it on a budget, and lovely photos. Hopefully one day! x

Road trips are great, I’m so glad you liked the post!

This is such a great idea for a California road trip! I’ve been wanting to venture out there for a while now, but still have never been. This post inspired me to get back to planning that trip! 🙂

I am so happy to hear that you were inspired by this post! I hope you make it to California soon.

Amazing, love Cali!!

-The Blogging Zoomer https://bmoblogs.com/

Thank you 🙂 I love California too!

This is the perfect road trip along the California coast. I’ve been to many of those locations but not on a road trip. Looks fabulous!

It is a great road trip, especially now that we need to social distance, driving in a car is perfect.

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

California is such an amazing place, I’m so glad you liked the post!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 114 Comments

The United States is pretty much the perfect country to road trip in, with great roads, cheap gas and hundreds of gorgeous destinations to choose from. It’s no wonder that a California road trip is on many visitors to-do lists!

We’ve taken a number of fantastic US road trips , including Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , the Oregon Trail and a route through the Deep South , and have never failed to have an amazing time.

One of our favourite states to explore though has to be California. With a mix of an excellent climate, some of the best National Parks in the country, and world-famous cities to explore, you’re never going to run short of things to do in California.

With this in mind, I wanted to put together a classic two week California road trip itinerary, taking in some of the best that the sunshine state has to offer. I did a trip almost exactly the same as this a few years back, so I know that it’s a good one.

Two weeks is also a good amount of time for a trip like this, although you could of course extend it by a few days if you wanted to see a bit more, or wanted to go a bit slower.

California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary has you starting and finishing in San Francisco. As it’s a loop, you could also start and finish at any other point. If you would prefer another starting location, LA would be the most logical.

The route runs anti-clockwise, but you are welcome to drive it in whichever direction you prefer!

San Francisco – 3 Days

We’re going to start our California road trip with three days in San Francisco. San Francisco is home to the second largest airport in California, so there are plenty of opportunities for getting here for both domestic and international travellers.

San Francisco, and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area is also an excellent city to base yourself for your first three days.

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re going to want a few days to adjust to the time zone difference before hopping into a car. For this reason, I’m going to recommend spending three nights in San Francisco, and picking up your hire car as you leave. You won’t want (or need!) a car while you’re in the city – parking is expensive and there are plenty of other options to get around.

You won’t be short on things to do in San Francisco, and in fact, might feel a little overwhelmed by all the choices!

Our suggestions would be to take in the Golden Gate bridge (hire a bike to get here easily), explore Chinatown, pop across to Alcatraz , revel in the tourist trap that is Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t miss golden gate park , head to the top of Nob Hill for cocktails at The Mark, hop on a cable car and, if you still have time, take a stroll at Lands End.

To get yourself oriented, we can also recommend taking a walking tour with the excellent SFNative folks, they know the city backwards. Finally, if you’re looking for some great photo opportunities, check out our guide to the best photography locations in San Francisco .

Accommodation wise, there are plenty of options in San Francisco. Here are some of our favourite picks for your stay, across a range of budgets.

• HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
• Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
• Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
• Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
• Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
• Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
• Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

See more options for hotels in San Francisco here, as well vacation rentals on Plum Guide here and Vrbo here .

Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Days

The drive down the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is definitely one of the best road trips in the world. So it’s really a no-brainer that this would be your first destination after you pick up your hire car and head out of the city.

There are numerous highlights along the way, from cute seaside towns to gorgeous wilderness areas. Don’t miss Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur and the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park (camp here if you can!).

The latter is particularly famous for the waterfall that cascades onto the beach, a gorgeous photo opportunity.

From Big Sur head further south and take in highlights like the seals at Cambria , tasty food at San Luis Obispo, the gorgeous Pismo beach, Hearst Castle and more.

For loads more information on this stretch of highway and to help you plan the perfect coastal road trip, check out our super detailed guide to planning a  Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

For the 2 days you’ll spend on this part of your California road trip, we recommend stopping overnight around Monterey or Carmel on your first night, and San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria on your second night.

There are plenty of accommodation options all the way down this stretch of highway, from campsites and B&B’s to luxury hotels – it all depends on your budget and what you’re aiming for. Here are a few options to consider in our recommended towns along the way.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

• If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
• Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
• Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
• The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
• The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

• Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
• Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
• Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
• Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
• Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visits to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
• J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

Santa Monica, LA – 2 Days

Los Angeles can be a big, confusing place, particularly after your trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. That’s why I suggest you head to Santa Monica and make that your LA base.

On the coast, and technically a separate city (it’s kind of hard to tell as LA and its surrounds are part of a fairly vast urban sprawl), you’ll have access to the wonderful beach and pier, as well as nearby Venice, most famous for its beach and people watching opportunities.

Again, there’s no shortage of things to do in LA. If you’re interested in film, you can visit the Hollywood sign, walk the Hollywood walk of fame or go on a tour of the backlot at Universal Studios .

Art lovers will find their thrills at the Getty Center , which also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding city. Other highlights include Sunset Boulevard, and of course, you can hop on one of those tours of the stars homes if you’re so inclined.

LA also has plentiful accommodation options to suit all budget. Here are some of our recommended options:

• Santa Monica Motel – we enjoyed our stay at this basic 2* motel, which is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a value option.
• Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
• Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood walk of fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here.
• Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
• The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

See more LA listings here for inspiration , as well as LA listings on Vrbo here . For a more curated apartment rental option, check out Plum Guide. You can see their LA listings here .

If you’re not excited about Los Angeles, you could also choose to skip it and head down the coast to San Diego County and the city of San Diego itself. This is a more laid back (and easily navigable!) experience compared to LA, and there’s a great deal to do here as well.

For more reading on San Diego, check out this guide to things to do in San Diego we put together.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Time to head out of the city, and the remainder of this itinerary is going to focus on exploring some of California’s unbelievable wilderness areas and National Parks. We’re going to start this off with a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park , home to those iconic shaped trees that the park is named for.

It’s a wonderful place, the meeting point of two deserts, and offers good opportunities for camping, hiking and star-gazing.

The best way to experience the park is to camp overnight in one of its many campgrounds (you should definitely reserve a spot well in advance if this is your plan), otherwise, there are various lodging opportunities outside the park if you’re not big into camping. You should also be aware that there is very limited water availability in the park (and no hookups for RV’s), so make sure you bring plenty of water and food – this is a remote desert environment after all!

Here are some suggested accommodation options in nearby Twentynine Palms.

• 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
• El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
• Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
• Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

See more listings for Twentynine Palms and this general region on  Plum Guide here .

Note, if you want to include a detour to Las Vegas, this would be the moment to do just that. We’d suggest adding a couple of days to your trip if you want to experience the city and its surrounds as there’s a lot to see and do here. Then you can rejoin the trip at the next stop.

For more on that sort of trip, check out our two week USA road trip itinerary , which include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Moving on from one desert environment to another desert environment – and the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Death Valley (the name was given by gold rush travellers who nearly perished here) is the hottest and driest place in North America, and has recorded the hottest ambient air temperature in the world.

So, overall, a hot place.

Other than making you want to crank up the AC then, what does Death Valley offer? Well, there’s that sense of remoteness. The vast, unforgiving wilderness. The knowledge that you’d probably die fairly quickly if you happen to wander off and get lost (don’t wander off and get lost folks).

Truth be told, there’s plenty to do here. You can visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the entire North America, which actually sits 86 metres below sea level. Then there are sand dunes, salt flats, craters, colourful canyons and hiking opportunities galore.

Just be aware that this is a seriously inhospitable, and, in the summer months, unbearably hot, destination, so plan and pack accordingly . If you’re looking for more ideas on spending a day in Death Valley, check out this excellent post .

Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day

From Death Valley we’re going to head further north, up to Mammoth Lakes . This drive is quite incredible, along the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the scenery (and temperatures) will change dramatically as you ascend into this gorgeous part of the world.

Mammoth Lakes are an adventure lovers playground. You can go hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing – the list goes on! There’s also a ghost town , craft beer companies, shopping opportunities – basically, pretty much everything you could imagine.

Whilst you’re here, you should also take the opportunity to visit Lake Mono . Now a state nature reserve, Lake Mono is a million year old lake notable for the “tufa” towers, calcium carbonate structures that stand above the lake like strange modern art installations. Definitely worth a visit, and particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Yosemite National Park – 3 Days

Finally on our awesome California road trip, I’m going to suggest you spend three days exploring Yosemite National Park before heading back to San Francisco to return your hire vehicle and head home.

Yosemite is without doubt one of my favourite places in the entire United States. It’s a wonder of nature, a photographer’s paradise, and somewhere I dare anyone to visit without falling instantly in love.

There’s a lot to see and do here, which is why I’m going to suggest taking three days to get the most out of your visit. This will let you see all the highlights, as well as go for some longer hikes (or drives), and not feel too rushed.

I’ve got a full guide to the best photography locations in Yosemite , but in brief, don’t miss Yosemite Falls, the hike up to Nevada and Vernal Falls, the drive (or hike) to Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Valley View and Bridalveil Falls.

If you love longer, more challenging day hikes, then Half Dome is a seriously challenging walk (permit required), as is the walk up to the top of Yosemite Falls .

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

California Road Trip Map

We’ve put together a map of our suggested California road trip itinerary, which you can see below, and also on Google Maps here . Note that depending on the time of year, access to Yosemite can be restricted due to snow, so you have to take the longer way round.

In addition, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are often closed due to damage caused by landslides. As such, the map should be seen as an overview rather than a definitive route. You’ll want to plan your own California road trip route that matches any current road conditions and closures.

You can check the status of the coast route (state highway 1), as well as all the other roads in the state, on the Caltrans website here .

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Days 1 – 3: San Francisco
• Days 4 – 5: Pacific Coast Highway
• Days 6 & 7: Los Angeles
• Day 8: Joshua Tree
• Day 9: Death Valley
• Day 10: Mammoth Lakes
• Days 11 – 13: Yosemite National Park
• Day 14: Return to San Francisco

When to Take a California Road Trip

California is a fairly good year round destination, but there are a few things to be aware of when planning your trip. In the Winter months, places like Yosemite can become accessible particularly from the east side, due to snow, as you can see in the map above.

The main road in to Yosemite is the Tioga Road, and this is usually closed from November through to May or even June. In addition, parts of the park, including Glacier Point road, are often closed for a similar timeframe.

If this happens to you, you’ll have to take a serious detour to get in based on this itinerary. A better option might be to embrace the snow, and head up to Lake Tahoe for some fantastic skiing opportunities. Or, you can head east, out to Nevada and the pleasure city of Las Vegas.

In summertime, the heat can be quite intense, in particular in places like Death Valley, where in the summer months temperatures can exceed 100F, and it’s not recommended to spend much time outside.

Where to Stay in California

California has a serious range of accommodation options to meet pretty much every budget, although larger cities and busier months do tend to increase the prices. We’d always recommend booking in advance for your trip if possible – in particular for national park campsites and hotels, and to get the best deals on city centre hotels.

For two people travelling together, you’re looking at a budget range of $60 – $150 per night for comfortable private en-suite accommodation, although you can obviously spend far more than that!

Our preferred option for hotel booking is booking.com, as they usually have the best prices, regularly run deals, and many properties offer good last minute cancellation policies. See their listings for California , San Francisco and Los Angeles to get you started.

We also use and recommend Plum Guide and Vrbo for vacation rentals.

For more ideas, take a look at our travel resources page for helpful hints and tips on getting the best deal on accommodation when you travel.

How to Get Around California

This is a road trip, so obviously you’re going to want a hire a car! We recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

Drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive, if your license is in a language other than English then you would be best with either an international drivers license, or a certified translation.

Another option of course is to hire a camper van or RV, which will let you stay in campgrounds and other, more out of the way areas. This can be a fun way to travel in a more self sufficient style. If this sounds like you, we recommend comparing RV rental prices at Motorhome Republic . They list all RVs from many of the major suppliers to help you find the right one for you. See their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

If this is your first time in the USA, or you just want a reminder of what it’s like to drive in the USA, check out our guide to driving in the USA for lots of tips!

Practicalities for a California Road trip

Travelling in the USA is relatively easy, but we wanted to share a few things to help make planning your California road trip a little easier.

Electricity

The USA uses a 110v electrical system, with plugs that are either two pin or three pin. The holes are flat, and sometimes the two pin plug holes will be different sizes, so the plug will only go in one way.

If you’re coming from much of the rest of the world, including Europe, the UK or Asia, you will definitely need a travel adaptor like this . You will also need to check that your equipment supports the 110v supply, as much of the rest of the world uses a 220v supply.

In our experience, most electronics like laptops and phone chargers accept a universal voltage, whilst higher power devices like hairdryers do not. Always check the device itself, the voltage rating should be on your plug or adaptor somewhere.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options.

The USA uses the US dollar, and there are ATM’s available throughout. In our experience though, you can pay for nearly everything with a credit card, so you will rarely need cash. Whilst it is worth having a few bills on you, for the most part you won’t need them.

Instead, just make sure you have a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge you any foreign transaction fees and uses a fair price for currency conversions, and you should be good to go.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is always brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems. Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight and behave as you would at home, you should be fine!

Further Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

California is a very popular destination, so there’s no shortage of research material to help you plan your trip! Here are some of my favourite resources:

• We have a guide to things to do in San Diego
• I’ve written a guide featuring some of my top tips for driving in the USA to help get you going on the road!
• Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA to help you plan your trip budget.
• Jess has a guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
• If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our guide to visiting Napa Valley
• Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
• Fodor’s Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
• The Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
• A US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
• If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this guide to free and super cheap campgrounds will quickly pay for itself
• The official Visit California page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
• For more in California, see this awesome guide to places to visit in California , from fellow bloggers at yTravelBlog
• My guide to things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our USA section , which includes a Deep south itinerary , tips for New Orleans during Mardi Gras – and lots more!

And that sums up my perfect two week California road trip itinerary! If you’ve got any comments, suggestions or additions, do pop them in the comments below. Plus, if you liked this post, do check out the rest of my itinerary series , which will help you plan the perfect trips all around the world!

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robert feinberg says

16th December 2023 at 4:48 pm

Hello, we are planning a road trip to California in July, and using your template, but adding a few different options. we are traveling with 2 15 year olds, and they want to surf. any recommendations you can make on that, as well as stops that will be good for them? much appreciated.

Laurence Norah says

16th December 2023 at 8:26 pm

So there are a lot of surfing options all along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. A lot will depend on the experience of your children and whether or not they are experienced surfers or are looking to learn. Also, some locations will have surfboard rentals wheras others are more remote. So it will depend what you need in that regard. However, there are good options all along the California coast, including Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Pismo, Morro Bay, Ricon Point and Surfrider beach (Malibu). I’d just recommend doing some research to ensure you match the breaks to the skill level required 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Kim Dawtrey says

7th October 2023 at 9:39 pm

Hi Lawrence We are just home after nearly three weeks in the US on a route based on your California Road Trip, although we also went to the a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. The information within your blog was a great help in planning our trip. Unfortunately we were unable to drive down the whole Pacific Highway due to landslide near Big Sur, but we loved the 17 mile drive and would recommend staying in Pacific Grove (we stayed in Bide-A-Wee hotel which was great). We were also unable to drive across Death Valley as the NP was closed due to the damage to the roads, we did however visit Death Valley Junction and throughly recommend a visit to Amargosa Opera House. The board outside says tours at 9.00am and 6.00pm, but the young lady in the hotel reception was more than happy to give us a tour for a donation, fascinating place and history. If you haven’t visited I can send you some photos. Another side trip we did was to Bristlecone Ancient Pine Forest, amazing place, great drive up to 10,000 feet, with fresh snow at the top! The Grand Canyon and Yosemite were certainly the highlights for us. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, thank you for all your valuable information, if we were 40 years younger, we would love to be doing what you and Jess are doing!

8th October 2023 at 12:33 pm

Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you had a great trip in California and beyond! Unfortunately the Pacific Coast Highway does get blocked quite regularly due to landslides, and it also sounds like unfortunate timing with Death Valley. However I am glad to hear you still had a good time overall! We haven’t visited the Amargosa Opera House, we will definitely have to add that to the list!

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, and safe onward travels 🙂 Jess and I love to hear from fellow adventurers who have been out exploring!

All the best,

erika liaci says

3rd July 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi we are finalising our US Road trip to/from LAX in mid August. Would you recommend still going to the Death valley? I am a bit scared of the temperature which might be 50C? Thanks erika

4th July 2023 at 9:26 am

So I would personally probably skip Death Valley in August. It’s going to be too hot to do very much, and you would likely be able to better spend your time elsewhere. An extra day in Yosemite for example!

Have a great trip!

17th April 2023 at 11:43 am

Hi – this 2 week California road trip looks amazing. Your blog is really helpful for planning our own trip. Would it be possible to know the driving distances between each of the places please. Thanks Sam

18th April 2023 at 8:09 am

Hi Sam, thanks very much! So I didn’t put distances because in my experience they tend to change with side trips etc. Also, the Pacific Coast Highway is regularly affected by landslips so stretches of the route can be closed.

That said, as a rough guide:

From San Francisco to Santa Monica is around 500 miles From Santa Monica to Joshua Tree is around 150 miles From Joshua Tree to Death Valley is around 260 miles From Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes is around 200 miles From Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is normally around 75 miles but this depends on the pass being open From Yosemite back to San Francisco is around 170 miles.

I hope this helps! Have a great time in California 🙂

28th January 2023 at 2:46 pm

Hi. Would you recommend Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon? We will be driving back from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and are thinking of an extended detour north rather than going back via Kingman. Thanks

29th January 2023 at 9:07 am

It is with some dismay that I’m not able to accurately answer your question as both parks are still on my to-do list and I haven’t visited either. So rather than inaccurately answer your question I would have to say I don’t know. I definitely want to visit them both, and from the photos I have seen I don’t think you would be disappointed with either, but that’s about as much as I can say for now until I have visited both!

Sorry not to be of more help but I hope you have an amazing trip nonetheless!

Maxine says

4th August 2022 at 8:16 am

This post has been super helpful and given us great ideas for a trip we are planning with our two teenagers next summer. We want to include vegas, therefore, would you recommend that we head there after San Diego before heading back to Yosemite? Thank you

4th August 2022 at 6:06 pm

Thanks very much, glad you found the post useful! So yes, heading from San Diego or Death Valley to Las Vegas would make the most sense. I’ve actually written a trip out that is similar to this one but include Vegas (and the Grand Canyon if you wanted to also include that). That’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2-week-usa-road-trip-itinerary/

You can save time of course by skipping the Grand Canyon 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help. Otherwise, have a great trip!

William D Villont says

6th January 2022 at 9:03 pm

My wife and I took a California trip similar to this one except we went south to San Diego as our final destination. I really enjoyed the trip and can fully understand why you highlight this trip as one someone should surely take. We agree. My only disappointment of the trip is that, at the time, I was doing videography and that is all I took on the trip, my video camera. Now that I have gotten back into photography I wish I had taken my camera as well. We rarely get out the old video (VHS tape) and watch and I have not taken the time to transfer the VHS to DVD yet. I just gave it away, that this trip was sometime ago because I was shooting VHS. Anyway I would love to take this trip again and if this Covid thing ever goes away, maybe I will. Thanks for sharing this trip.

7th January 2022 at 11:29 am

Hi William,

I’m glad to bring back positive memories of your California trip! Interesting to hear you mostly took video. I have a similar reverse quandry when I travel, I usually only find myself able to concentrate on one medium of story telling as we go, so I focus on photos. But I often think it might be nice to have more videos. I hope you get to watch your video soon and also to take the trip again one day!

Have a lovely and safe 2022,

Delaney Blute says

1st July 2021 at 3:18 am

Hi! Thank you so much for the wonderful travel recommendations. I’m planning on taking this trip with my mother and sister, possibly leaving next late summer. Do you have a ball park recommendation for price for the entire trip for 3 people? We plan on budgeting it, but just wanted to know if you had any estimate of what this trip would cost for 3 people. Thanks so much!

1st July 2021 at 12:47 pm

Hi Delaney,

This is a great question. So it’s really hard to give a price estimate because everyone has a different travel style, and it will depend on what type of accommodation you are thinking of booking, whether you are happy to share a room for the three of you vs have individual rooms, whether you are ok with budget dining vs more expensive options and so on. I’m also not sure if you’re from the US or not, so car rental if you need to rent a car would also be a cost to consider.

I do have a guide which has a ballpark idea of costs for travel in the UK, which you can see here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

That should give you an idea of how much each element of the trip should cost you, to help you come up with a rough figure. The main costs are going to be your accommodation, gas / car rental / car parking in cities, food, and any attraction entry.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can provide any further input, and have a great trip 🙂

Chantelle says

7th March 2020 at 2:06 pm

We have a trip booked for just short of a month in September! Your blog was really helpful, thank you!

I was wondering if you had some advice on Car vrs Camper. Is it easy to find places to stay in a camper or would you recommend a car and motels. We are happy either way just want our trip to be as stress free as possible!

7th March 2020 at 5:07 pm

Hi Chantelle!

So we have done both, and honestly, we prefer motels / B&Bs to campsites.

In the USA, campsites are a bit different to the UK in my experience. They tend to have more formal “sites” for each visitor, which means they can’t just squeeze another person in. When they are full they’re full. For National Parks especially, this means that they can book out and then you can be stuck trying to find somewhere to stay. You can of course book them in advance, so that’s an option. The other good news is that if you have a campervan all is not lost as there are places you can camp for free. However these tend not to be totally exciting, Walmart carparks for example let folks stay overnight, but this might not be the dream option.

The other thing is that if you do the math, you will find that the cost of renting a campervan + the cost of paying campsite fees will probably be a lot more than the cost of a cheap car and economy lodging. Plus if you plan on visiting a few of the cities in this itinerary a camper will be more effort than it’s worth. You didn’t mention budget so this might not be a huge factor, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I think you can see where my preference lies for this itinerary. Obviously if you love camping and want to spend more time out in the backcountry and national parks, it’s a great option. But you might find that buying a cheap tent and a couple of sleeping bags for a few nights is a better option than renting a camper 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know how it goes and what you decide to do! We have a facebook group you’re welcome to share your experiences in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

chantelle sims says

14th March 2020 at 2:44 pm

This has been so incredibly helpful thankyou!!

My pleasure Chantelle – have a great trip!

Sharon says

16th February 2020 at 7:40 pm

Great inspiration and ideas, thanks

16th February 2020 at 9:34 pm

Our pleasure Sharon, thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Thiago says

12th February 2020 at 7:45 pm

Just want to thank you for these super detailed guides, guys;

13th February 2020 at 10:48 am

Our pleasure Thiago, if you have any questions we’re happy to help 🙂 Safe travels!

Kathy Reed says

26th January 2020 at 5:51 pm

Hi – this was an amazing find! Loved all of your recommendations. Do you have any recommendations for anything just a little further north into the Redwoods. Perhaps starting in Santa Monica and going north? Though i do love the loop feature of this itinerary. Makes it so hard to decide. Thanks!

28th January 2020 at 9:19 am

We have travelled north of this itinerary as well, with our highlights including Napa Valley, Point Reyes National Park and Redding, however we’ve not put together a detailed itinerary for this sort of trip as we’ve not covered the area in enough detail. If redwoods are what you are after particularly, then on this itinerary you can see them near Santa Cruz, if you did want to follow it.

Let me know if I can offer any more advice for your trip!

4th January 2020 at 4:39 pm

Hi Great site for info ? Just would like to know what time of year would you recommend doing this road trip ive just read on here ,we’re coming from the UK so any info will help us plan Many thanks Barry

5th January 2020 at 11:25 am

It can definitely be done at any time of year, but I might avoid the depths of winter as snow can make the roads into Yosemite a challenge, plus it will be quite cold. So if you are looking for more of a summery California road trip, I might suggest May through September. We just toured California in August, and it was definitely very hot inland, as well as being busy so perhaps May/June or September would be the best time for a good combination of weather and fewer people 🙂

Debbie says

4th January 2020 at 3:03 pm

Hi We are planning this trip in April 2020! We will skip LA (Not interested) & Yosemite (We’ve already been) & we will only spend 1 day in San Francisco (we’ve already been) my question is do you think we can do the rest in 7 days?? We definitely want to do the scenic drive from San Francisco to San Diego & back to San Fran an thank you for all the wonderful information!!

5th January 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Debbie!

Awesome 😀 So you can do the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to San Diego in a couple of days if you don’t mind going at a bit of a pace. I’d probably slow it down to 3 days though. I’m not sure if you still plan on seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley – if you plan on going up and down the Pacific Coast Highway both ways, then you’re actually going to end up driving much more than this itinerary if you do visit Death Valley, as you’ll do about 2/3rds of the route and then turn around.

I’m not sure if you wanted to go to Las Vegas instead, but what you could do instead of going all the way back is finish in Vegas. I have noticed that many car hire firms don’t charge one way fees for trips between SF and Las Vegas, and flights out of Las Vegas are also very inexpensive. Even if you don’t want to do the whole Las Vegas thing, there are some lovely outdoor attractions in the area including the Hoover Dam and the spectacular valley of fire state park.

Anyway, just a thought. To answer your question – yes, you could do the rest in 7 days but I fear it might be a bit rushed,

30th December 2019 at 1:24 am

How many miles is this trip in total?

30th December 2019 at 3:28 pm

Around 1400 miles, but you’ll want to add on detours, side trips etc. So I’d say 1500 – 2000 to be on the safe side 🙂

Mallikarjun says

19th December 2019 at 8:51 pm

Can you please let me know the “Public Transport” options, it may be Bus, Metro or any other services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. I am planning for a trip in end of Jan 2020 for about 6 to 7 days to cover these cities. Or is there any travel packages you suggest for these cities. Please let me know.

Thanks, Malli

22nd December 2019 at 5:29 pm

My pleasure, and apologies for the slow response, I’ve had some site issues I’ve been working on.

For your question, are you looking for public transport between the cities, or in the cities? If the former, then I’d generally recommend the long distance bus as the best way to get between the cities in California, although you will struggle to get to more remote locations this way.

For each city you mention, there are different options. San Francisco is the easiest to get around, as there’s a great bus system as well as bikes, e-bikes and scooters. LA is a bit trickier – there are both buses and a metro, but just be aware that the distances can be quite far as the city is very spread out. So the best option is to figure out what you want to see and make sure the accommodation you pick is as close to the sights as possible.

San Diego is also easy to get around for the most part, with buses, trolleys and trains.

I hope this helps 🙂

Samantha says

28th October 2019 at 1:20 pm

Hi! this sounds amazing and I am literally looking at booking this for June next year! From looking about the only area that I am a bit unsure of is Death Valley – where is best to stay around there and if only doing a day – what would be the best suggestion of something to do? I am also thinking that we will add 1 day on to do a Vegas stay since its so close!

29th October 2019 at 8:31 am

Hi Samantha,

So when we visited we stayed just outside the valley at Panamint Springs – specifically we stayed here .

A day is enough to see the highlights of Death Valley. You’ll want to visit Badwater Basin of course, the lowest point in North America. Other highlights including the Mesquite Sand dunes, Zabriskie Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Artists Drive and Palette and Mosaic Canyon.

We can definitely recommend tacking on a trip to Vegas as well. We’re actually thinking of publishing a new itinerary in the coming months which includes Vegas, as it’s a popular addition 🙂

Gisele leduc says

13th October 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would like to know w ymt is there a bus trip to 14 days in calif. Where does the bus leave from in the US. And approx how much is the cost

14th October 2019 at 8:36 pm

Sorry, could you clarify? Are you looking for a tour of California?

15th October 2019 at 3:32 pm

Looking for next year we live in Ottawa Canada and would like to take a 14 day bus tour especially san Francesco and pacific route. Are there bus tours leaving let’s say from Buffalo, New York we can easily drive to these destinations. I meant leaving from New York City and Buffalo. What would be the cost and does it include meals. Thank u

Gisele Leduv says

15th October 2019 at 7:37 pm

Hi I would like to know if there are Any bus tours leaving from New York City or buffalo 14 day road trip to California especially the pacific coastland. What would be the cost for such a trip.

16th October 2019 at 8:08 pm

Hey Gisele,

I have looked but most tours that depart from New York and go to California are much longer, because the distance is so great from the east coast to the west coast. If you want a tour that focuses more on California, it would definitely be easier to get one that departs from San Francisco or Las Vegas rather than New York – is that a possibility?

vivianchoo says

5th October 2019 at 4:44 am

Good articles and good photos, Helps a lot. Thank you!

5th October 2019 at 10:16 am

My pleasure – have a great trip!

Jason Parsons says

19th August 2019 at 3:23 pm

This is a super inspiring blog. Which area did you stay in Yosemite? We are planning to complete our road trip with 3 nights in Yosemite. We will have a car and plan on day trip walks within the park.using a hotel or lodge as our base.

19th August 2019 at 4:09 pm

Thanks very much! In Yosemite we’ve stayed in a few places. On the trip with the photos in this post, we stayed in Curry Village, which were canvas tents ( https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/ ).

Jess has also stayed at the Wawona hotel, and the other lodge options are The Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. I would definitely recommend staying with the park if you can as it makes it a lot easier to see everything within a short distance. The various options are at different price points though, so you’ll have to figure out which is best for you 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

julie morton says

15th June 2019 at 4:36 pm

Great article, thank you. I will be doing a similar route with my husband in September. Do you have any further guides on the Mammoth Lakes area or could you suggest somewhere to base ourselves there for a couple of nights please? We will be coming from Death Valley and then heading on to Yosemite.

15th June 2019 at 8:31 pm

Hi Julie! We don’t have anything else about Mammoth Lakes unfortunately on our blogs. We have guides to other parts of California, including Yosemite, but Mammoth Lakes is still on the to do list.

Have a great trip, sorry we couldn’t help this time!

Tara West says

2nd June 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hi there, Just found your blog. Really helpful. Thank you. We are thinking of doing a Californian road trip with our 5 month old baby in Sept. How long are the drives between the places you mention? I wouldnt want to do LA so would probably do San Diego instead. Is there anywhere you advise missing out with a baby? Thanks so much. Tara

3rd June 2019 at 6:26 pm

Our pleasure, we’re delighted to be able to help 🙂

So the drives will obviously vary depending on what you stop and see, but none of the days on the itinerary should have more than four hours driving. We’ve also not got any personal experience with traveling with a baby, however, just bear in mind that even in September Death Valley is going to be very hot. Other than that I don’t see a reason not to go to any of the locations on the list, and Death Valley will be manageable, just take care with the heat 🙂

Priya Singh says

30th April 2019 at 6:40 am

I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.Good post. I was searched for this topic. Finally, I got the information on this blog. Thanks for the effective information.

30th April 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks Priya – pleased we were able to help! Have a great trip 🙂

Rafael says

5th March 2019 at 1:45 pm

Hi guys, great post. I found it really handy now as i’m planning a 3 week road trip through California (and Nevada) in a month (apr 6 to 27). We are starting in LA, just a few days and then planning to go to Joshua Tree (Mojave, is it worth it?), Las vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco, and Route 1 back to LA. It’s quite a lot of days, and i find hard to plan where to sleep every night, as i’m not sure how long would it take me to visit every national park, and even cities. So my question is, should i book in advance all different accomodation? In that case how many days should we give to the different national parks and places. As the trip gets so long, we are being really careful with our budget, and that takes me to the second question, what are the best places to stay on a budget in the different stops?

By the way, we are a group of four, planning to rent a car.

Thanks again for your post. Looking forward to read your answer!

Rafael from Uruguay

5th March 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂

So to answer your questions. I think Mojave is worth it if you like deserts and wide open spaces.

In terms of accommodation, you are not travelling at a very busy time of year, although it is easter towards the end of April. However there are no Federal holiday, so it should not be too busy. So this means you should be able to book quite last minute. The only places I would advise maybe booking in advance would be any national parks you want to stay in, which can be busy year round. So Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Death Valley, if you plan on staying inside the park, you will want to plan your accommodation in advance.

In terms of budget accommodation, the parks all have campsites, so that would likely be the cheapest option if you don’t mind camping. Some have existing tents you can hire if you don’t want to bring your own tent – Yosemite for example has some nice fixed tents which are not too expensive. For other cities, I’d advise looking at the budget motel chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn and so on. These can be very cheap, but do be aware they are not always very central. So you might find something like AirBnB to be more cost effective.

As you are visiting a number of parks you will probably want to buy a national parks pass, which will save you money on parks entry.

I’d also advise taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which should give you some more budgeting ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

c. m. crawford says

17th February 2019 at 3:22 pm

I would take extra care with possessions in the big cities in California. I left my purse in the back of my rental car, parked in a highly visible location on a beach in San Francisco, and even though there were people walking up and down the beach, the window was smashed and the purse stolen. Luckily wallet & phone were on me and the purse was even found and turned in to the police, but I had to exchange the rental car. Other than that California is awesome.

17th February 2019 at 4:34 pm

Sorry to hear that Cris! This is definitely an issue around the world, we always recommend not leaving any valuables in sight in a car as it makes for a tempting option for a thief 🙁 Glad to hear you got your purse back though!

Matthias says

9th February 2019 at 6:57 pm

Hey you guys! You have a great blog and this post inspired the route for my first trip to California with a buddy (we’re planning on doing pretty much the same route). But our plan is doing it the other way around: Also starting end ending in SF but heading to Yosemite from there and doing the trip clockwise. Would love to hear your thoughts on that idea 🙂

10th February 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Matthias!

The route would work either way. The only thing is that many people prefer to drive the PCH from north to south as you are on the right hand side of the road, so you get clearer views. But it’s stunning either way to be honest 🙂

Catherine Smithfield says

18th January 2019 at 4:12 pm

Hi Laurence,

Fabulous site guys… I would love some tips please my husband and I are planning a once in a lifetime trip to the USA, we fly into and out of Los Angeles , arriving 16th October and leaving 5th December. We will be spending thanksgiving with friends in Washington state . We would like to drive the Pacific highway, see some of LA, San Fran , Yosemite,Death Valley Las Vegas,- just very quick as we feel we should see it and the Grand Canyon . We love nature, beautiful landscapes, we are also foodies . Any suggestions would be very welcome , hire car v Rv , obviously due to the length of our trip I would like to be sensible on accommodation costs…is there a reliable decent hotel/motel chain you would recommend, or Airbnb. I have also been looking a5 the trusted Housesitters website but have recently come across a few very negative reviews . Many thanks catherine(UK)

18th January 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Catherine!

Thanks so much! We’ll do our best to help out.

So first of all, if you haven’t already, we can definitely recommend checking out the USA sections of both our websites:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/north-america/usa/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/united-states/

Where we have loads of posts that you will find useful. Most particularly, I’d advise reading our driving in the USA , and our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA . That latter one in particular will help you in terms of costing out the trip.

For a hire car, a normal car rental is going to be a lot cheaper than an RV, especially as you will most likely still have to rent campsite space to stay at. A standard hire car in the US will usually start at around $200 a week. Our US travel budget post has a lot more on how to find the best deal and things to watch out for.

In terms of accommodation, the US has a wide range of options. The cheaper chains include: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, America’s Best Value Inn, Travelodge. The next step up would be Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn.

Note that the cheaper hotels are often found a little way outside of towns, often at interstate exit ramps. It’s also worth being aware that they are nearly all franchises, and so as a result the quality can vary dramatically, so it’s always worth reading reviews before visiting.

For booking and reviews, we highly recommend Booking.com . We have nearly always found this to be the cheapest option, even compared to turning up at the property, and the reviews can be a helpful guide. However, just bear in mind that cheaper hotels tend to rate worse, as folks can have high expectations!

Hopefully all this helps, let us know if you have any more specific questions we can help with!

Natasha says

9th January 2019 at 10:22 am

PS We are also planning to visit family in LA and have possible access to accommodation in Pacific Grove so should we be considering finding snow at Big Sur instead of north of San Fran? PPS Budget is going to be very tight!

9th January 2019 at 10:38 am

Hey Natasha!

So I’ll answer the Big Sur question first 🙂 Snow isn’t very common at Big Sur as it’s right by the sea, and it doesn’t usually get much except at higher elevations. The most reliable option is to head east to Tahoe or Yosemite, although that is going to be quite a drive and won’t fall into the definition of a short drive I’m afraid 🙁 The other option is to head up towards Auburn, as you get closer to the Sierra Nevada Mountains you will definitely find snow, but again, this isn’t going to be a short drive.

Whilst there is always a possibility of snow elsewhere, I wouldn’t want to guarantee it!

In terms of house swaps, the closest option we have for you is TrustedHousesitters , but that’s more of a house sitting opportunity than a home swap. I know there are home swapping platforms, but we’re not familiar with them, so I wouldn’t want to give a recommendation!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

9th January 2019 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for the super-prompt response! Very helpful to know Big Sur is unlikely to tick the box and we hadn’t considered Auburn so I’ll find out more about that instead. Otherwise we’ll stick to Yosemite or Tahoe, which we’ve heard lots about.

9th January 2019 at 2:50 pm

My pleasure! Those two will definitely be fantastic, Yosemite in winter in particular is stunning. We have a guide to visiting Yosemite here 🙂

Also, I know real snow is ideally preferable, but there are a number of locations that generate snow that are going to be closer to San Francisco. If you google “snow in san francisco” or something similar, you should find some options!

9th January 2019 at 10:17 am

Thrilled to find your fascinating and helpful site! We live in Cape Town, and are planning a month in California between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, focussed around spending time with family in San Fran.

But my 14- and 16-year-olds have never experienced snow so we’re looking for guaranteed on-the-ground snow in early/mid December, as short a drive from SF as possible. Skiing not required, but snowman-building and perhaps some sledging would be great.

Also, can you recommend a site we might arrange a house swap through?

20th November 2018 at 8:30 pm

Hi, I’d like to know if February os a good time to make this travel. And what do you think about Sequoia National park?

27th November 2018 at 11:22 am

February would be good, just be aware that there might still be snow in Yosemite and so you’ll need to keep an eye on road closures around that area. We haven’t visited Sequoia National Park, but we have heard it is a great park, well worth visiting 🙂

12th November 2018 at 10:53 am

Hi there! This post has been really helpful as my partner and I are planning our honeymoon for April 2019 and we would love to roadtrip in the US. We have about 12 nights and would love to spend good chunks of time in San Francisco, LA or Santa Monica and some national parks. We would also love to do the Pacific Coast. We were originally thinking of flying into San Francisco and out of LA, but your post has me wondering if a roundtrip is better. Would you suggest we amend your suggested route? Which of the the national parks would be the best to visit?

12th November 2018 at 4:15 pm

Hey Neely! There are so many great National Parks, but Yosemite is definitely up there as one of my favourites. I would say a round trip is better – the route I have outlined makes a nice loop, and car hire is nearly always better value if you return the car where you picked it up 🙂

Chiara says

2nd October 2018 at 5:21 pm

Hi! I love your blog guys! We are thinking about a road trip in California next summer, and this post is a perfect inspiration! We will travel with our kids, they will be 3 and 6 and we have 3 weeks instead of 2. Do you have suggestions on how/where to use the extra days? Considering we can’t plan super long tiring car journeys and have to incorporate some activities they would enjoy too like some beach life, aquariums… Any suggestion is very welcomed! Thank you very much in advance!

4th October 2018 at 4:20 am

Hey Chiara!

So my suggestion would be to follow this itinerary, but just to go a bit slower and spend a bit more time in each place. I’d definitely suggest the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo as two great options along the way, and Universal Studios in LA is also sure to be a hit 🙂 Along the PCH you’ll also find loads of lovely beaches, so I think you’ll easily be able to stretch this two week road trip into a three week California itinerary! Have an awesome time!

4th October 2018 at 2:09 pm

Thank you very much!

ANGELINE MONTIJO says

19th August 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Im planning a road trip with my family to California from Orlando,Fl on June 2019. I want some advice where should we start.

19th August 2018 at 5:41 pm

Hi Angeline! Do you mean where to start in terms of planning? If you could let me know how long you are travelling for and what your interests are, then we can try to help. In the meantime, we can help out with some tips on driving in the USA:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And some tips on budgeting for your trip:

The overall route you take will also take you through part of our Deep South USA itinerary:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/

As well as parts of our Route 66 itinerary:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Which should both serve to help inform your planning on your route 🙂

Lisa Stark says

16th August 2018 at 1:20 pm

Hi, my partner and me are planning to do a road trip next September 2019, starting from San Fran and heading south, eventually arriving in San Diego over a 2 week period. Can you recommend a good car hire company, how long before we should book and some nice places to stop with boutique hotels, This will be out first time in America and I’m completely at a loss where to start planning. Many thanks. Lisa

16th August 2018 at 7:05 pm

Hey Lisa! Well, that’s a great question. There are a number of hire car companies that we recommend, you can see our list here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

It looks like you are doing a one-way trip, so just bear in mind that sometimes the “meta-search” tools that search a variety of providers don’t always account for that. So it might be easier to go direct. We’ve found that it really varies, but we’ve often had success with Enterprise and Hertz. It’s also worth bearing in mind that pick up from an airport location is nearly always more expensive than a city location, so if you can be flexible in that regard you will likely save a bit of money. Especially somewhere like San Francisco, as you don’t really need the car for the city and it will just end up costing you in car parking fees and wasted rental fees for a car you aren’t using.

For hotel and car bookings, I’d usually say the further in advance the better so you have everything sorted and don’t have to worry about it. In terms of stops, your route pretty much follows the Pacific Coast Highway, and we have a super comprehensive guide to all the towns along the route which you can see here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

That also has planning tips and suggestions. I’d also advise reading our tips for driving in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

In terms of other things to think about, I’m not sure which country you are coming from, but definitely consider getting a travel credit card that won’t charge you for foreign transaction fees, and maybe a SIM card that offers roaming in the USA. Three in the UK has a pretty good deal for SIM cards that offer free data in the USA.

Hopefully this helps a bit, let me know if you have other questions. It gives me an idea to put together a first timers guide to travelling in the USA 🙂

6th August 2018 at 12:24 pm

This is a great read, thank you for sharing. My partner and I are looking to do a similar trip in October this year. However, we are slightly confused on the route (and in what order) to do it all in. We want to do 14 nights and start in San Francisco and either end in San Diego or Vegas. (Everyone says Vegas is a must see at least once and although not on the top of our list, we thought we could add it on the end).

Our initial thoughts are 3 nights in San Fran, 2 in Yosemite, 1 in Monterey, 1 in Santa Barbara. 3 in la, 2 in San Diego and 2 in Vegas. Does this sound too ambitious? And any thoughts on in what order we would do this? I would appreciate anyones input on this. Thank you in advance!

6th August 2018 at 12:58 pm

My pleasure. So the only slight niggle in your itinerary is that Yosemite is the opposite direction to the Pacific Coast Highway, so that will add a bit of driving time to your route (it’s about 3 – 4 hours each way from San Francisco). I definitely recommend Yosemite, it’s just going to take a bit of time to do it on this trip. Overall your route is certainly do-able, as long as you don’t mind a fair bit of driving. I like that you are scheduling multiple nights in the various locations, that will give you more time to enjoy without rushing. I’d say that your order is pretty good, I can’t think of a better way to do it.

6th August 2018 at 1:27 pm

Thank you for taking the time reply! I am glad it sounds doable. I think the multiple stops should help to break up the drive (I won’t be doing it my other half has that pleasurable job =) ). Yes Yosemite is the one we are are a bit confused about as when to add it. Before or after San Fran and at what point as you say it is out of the way, but is a must for us, and we don’t want to miss anything on the drive down from San Fran to La, so a tricky one. Thank you for your input, much appreciated!

Tim Shakespeare says

24th July 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi there, my wife and I are coming mid October to California for a road trip celebrating my 50th. We start in SF, only for 2 days, then have 3 days before we get to Yosemite. Have you any recommendations of where to visit in that time, we don’t mind going in any direction before heading towards Yosemite? We then head to Las Vegas for my actual birthday for 3 days then onto LA for a further 4 days, any suggestions of where to spend time between the cities?

24th July 2018 at 9:42 pm

Hey Tim! Well, it really depends on what you are interested in! Obviously you’re not too far from Napa Valley if it’s wine you’re after, or you could head north to Redding, where there’s some beautiful scenery. A sojourn along the Pacific Coast Highway, or at least part of it, is also an option – there are so many cute towns along that route to check out (see our guide here: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

Between Vegas and LA, the obvious choices are Joshua Tree National Park, and the whole Mojave Desert is pretty impressive. I’m assuming you’ll stop at Death Valley from Yosemite, but if not, you could head up that way. Another option is to head south from Vegas and find Route 66, and follow then into LA, which is a fun option. You can see more on Route 66 here: https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Hope this helps a bit! Have a great trip and happy birthday!

tim shakespeare says

27th July 2018 at 2:56 pm

Thanks Laurance, that info is really useful

28th July 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure 🙂

Paula Lambie says

20th July 2018 at 2:35 pm

Hi Laurence, Absolutely loved your article. We are a group of 6 friends that are coming from Trinidad and want to stay about 7-8 days on a road trip starting in LA and possibly leaving from San Fran. We are coming around the end of Feb 2019 and leaving around March 6 or 7th. Still in the planning stages and would appreciate any advice or recommendations. I want to include Yosemite and Sequoia but don”t know if it is feasible with the time period we are looking at. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Take care.

22nd July 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thanks very much. So Yosemite would be feasible, but you have to bear in mind that in February and March it can still be quite snowy in the park, and it’s also a four hour drive each way from San Francisco, so that’s going to eat up a lot of your time. My suggestion would be to definitely do the Pacific Coast Highway over two or three days, and then depending on your interests, either some time in places like the Joshua Tree, or the cities like LA, San Francisco or San Diego. Another option is to go further north of San Francisco, although Yosemite is a really incredible place and well worth the effort to get out there!

Hope this helps, have a great trip!

Louisa says

12th June 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Laurence, We are a family of 5 holidaying in California in August and staying San Francisco (3 nights) -Yosemite (3 nights)-Monterey (2 nights)-Santa Barbara (1 night) and at the moment San Diego (2 nights) and LA (3 nights). I am wondering if we are being over ambitious at the end of the holiday and should just stay in LA rather than driving down to San Diego and back to LA for our flight back? Is San Diego a must see? I am torn between wanting to see it all while we are in California but not overdoing it and rushing too much. What are the travel times likely to be realistically between Santa Barbara, LA and San Diego at that time of year? Thank you for any advice.

13th June 2018 at 11:07 am

Hey Louisa!

I think San Diego is worth visiting, and as you have 3 nights already in LA I don’t think you’ll have too much rush. I will be honest and say that I don’t know exactly what the travel times at that time of year will be, but I find that Google usually estimates travel times pretty well – just avoid the peak rush hours and you should generally be fine 🙂

Shelley says

14th May 2018 at 9:00 am

Hi Laurence, Great website! We are booking a 3 week trip over Christmas. LA to San Francisco, via Vegas/Death Valley etc. Weather wise, what should we expect, particularly with Yosemite? Is there anywhere along the coast which is worth stopping off between LA and San Francisco for a night? Many thanks Shelley from Sydney

14th May 2018 at 2:53 pm

Hi Shelley!

Thanks for your comment – sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. So, Yosemite in particular can be tricky in winter. It can be accessed, but you need to be aware that it will obviously be quite snowy, and access isn’t possible from all sides – the route I have laid out for example you would have to alter a bit in order to access Yosemite in winter, as the Tioga Road is closed. You also usually can’t get up to Glacier point in winter. But the major attractions in the valley are accessible. For more on visiting Yosemite in Winter, you can check out this guide to Yosemite in a day that Jess wrote: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-day-yosemite-national-park-introduction-yosemite-valley/

There is a lot to see and do on the Pacific Coast Highway, certainly enough to fill a day or two. There are lots of towns to stop at, and which you choose really depends what you are into. Cambria is a favourite of ours, but there’s a lot to see and do. This post breaks down all the highlights, so you can make an informed decision 🙂

Have a fabulous trip!

Lis Brown says

1st May 2018 at 11:15 pm

Hi Laurence, great post and photos! My husband and I are planing to do 2 weeks driving trip in California, i love all your suggested destinations, I may do the same trip as yours. However, I will be 4 months pregnant (planning to go in May) during the trip, may I know if the in-land route/parks and lake visits are suitable for me and accessible by car or light walking/ light hiking? your trip is start from san francisco and end there too, am i right? thanks in advance!

2nd May 2018 at 8:24 pm

Hi Lis! Thanks very much 😀 The trip does start and end in San Francisco yep.

For your question – I have to admit to not being an expert as we’ve not had any kids, however there is definitely light hiking in the majority of places. Just be aware it can get very hot in some parts of California, so do take plenty of water along. My advice would be to check the websites for the national parks you want to visit and see what hiking routes they have – I think you should be fine, but it’s always best to check as one persons “light hike” is another persons marathon 😉

Theresa says

10th April 2018 at 1:59 am

This looks like a great route, but I was really hoping to see Sequoia National Park. Any advice?

13th April 2018 at 6:16 pm

Hi Theresa! Thanks very much! As that’s in the north, you’d want to add it on near San Francisco. So you could either spend less time in the city, or lose a day somewhere else on the route. It’s hard to give specific advice without knowing your exact interests, but as you sound like you prefer nature to cities, perhaps spending less time in the cities might work better for you? Have a great trip!

15th April 2018 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for your reply. Sequoia National Park is south of Yosemite on the map (Redwood National Park is north of San Francisco). It doesn’t appear that there is road access to Sequoia NP on your route which heads north on 395. I did more research and verified that is the case.

18th April 2018 at 6:22 am

Hi! My apologies, I was thinking of the redwoods to the north of San Francisco and got a bit confused – but that is another option if you can’t make it to Sequoia. Road access can be a challenge due the mountains, and also in winter some of the roads into Yosemite are closed due to snow. So you might have to alter the route a fair bit to make it to Sequoia if that’s a priority 🙂

Jacques says

5th April 2018 at 10:41 pm

Hi Lawrence , we are also considering tyis roadtrip this month. Were from Canada. Assuming we are on the road a giving day with no reservations for a room the same night , by what time do we need to confirm a room or is there plenty of options once arriving early evening. Thank for everything.

6th April 2018 at 5:09 pm

Hi Jacques! At this time of year for the most part you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room at the last minute. It does depend a little on what level of accommodation you are after, but for quick and easy motels we found they had lots of availability in general. We do definitely advise always checking prices online somewhere like booking.com though, as we nearly always got better deals that way compared to turning up – often the person at the desk didn’t have the power to actually match a price. So do keep that in mind 🙂 Have a great trip, and let me know how it goes!

Jacques Gauthier says

20th May 2018 at 1:13 am

Hi Lawrence ! We decided to take two weeks to travel from San Francisco to LA (Manhattan Beach) . We travel along the coast for these 14 days and enjoyed it tremendously. Next trip will be the National Parks .

Thank you .

20th May 2018 at 2:36 pm

13th March 2018 at 1:27 pm

We are hoping to do everything in your itinerary plus San Diego, we will only have 15 nights and would like to spend at least 2 full days in San Diego and 2 full days in SF, do you think this is reasonable without spending too long out of the 15 days in the car?

13th March 2018 at 8:34 pm

I think that should be do-able yes, if you are focused and don’t get too distracted 😉 Have an awesome trip!

Jacqueline says

19th February 2018 at 4:25 pm

Hi! I am planning a trip with my 10 year old son and love the looks of your itinerary. What would you suggest budget wise for this trip (minus flights) for the two of us?

Thanks, Jacqueline

19th February 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Jacqueline! It’s quite tricky to put a budget together on a case by case basis because everyone has different styles and standards of travelling. I’d suggest taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which covers pretty much all the areas you need to consider, and should give you some ballpark figures 🙂

Let me know if you still have questions after checking that out 😀

Gai Pendlebury says

12th October 2017 at 11:04 pm

Thank you — what a great and helpful site you have made.We are flying into San francisco from Australia in April.We only have 10 nights.Your suggestions are great — we will miss the LA part.Happy for anyone hear to put in their opinions for an itinerary!We will spent 4 or 5 nights in San fran and 3 in yosemite but the 3 nights are up for grabs –we have done Big Sir before so probs wont go south on the coast.I am thinking maybe Lake tahoe,gold rush towns …love to walk,history, beautiful scenery and quaint American towns.Happy to drive long distances– thank you –your photos are wonderful!

Laurence says

13th October 2017 at 10:33 am

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting to let us know, it’s always appreciated. Sounds like you have some good plans already – one idea might be to head north for Shasta Cascade region and see the caves / redwoods. I have a post about that region on the site too 🙂 Have a fabulous trip!

14th October 2017 at 5:09 am

Thank for that .I will look into it a bit more — I am really impressed with your links for such like 12 best spots for photographing San Fran or Yosemite. So helpful to know where to go to get those great shots!

Jules Selby says

28th August 2017 at 10:24 pm

We are planning two weeks but thinking of hiring an RV instead of hotels, what do you think?

28th August 2017 at 10:43 pm

An RV is definitely a good idea, but do be aware that they can be pricey, and you often have to pay for camping on top of that as well – although there are a lot of places you can camp for free in the US! So really it’s up to you – we’ve done both, and RV’ing is definitely a lot of fun!

Bob Steiner, Jr says

25th June 2017 at 4:07 am

You can’t drive a highway 1 through Big Sur. The highest us closed and detours long and winding over dirt roads

25th June 2017 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for pointing this out. Do you know how long the road will be closed? I’ll put a note in the post.

Erica Landry Napolitano says

16th April 2017 at 7:52 pm

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. We have almost three weeks out in CA and these will be some great spots! Traveling with an 8 and 10 year old this still seems doable! Thanks.

16th April 2017 at 7:54 pm

My pleasure, have an awesome trip!

Jenna Francisco says

17th September 2016 at 5:18 am

So many good ideas here, and I agree that visitors should plan at least 3 days in San Francisco and Yosemite. One suggestion I’d make related to the “when to visit CA” section–SF and much of the coast are cold and foggy in the summer, so it’s a good idea for visitors to dress in layers and expect lots of fog in summer, that way they won’t be disappointed!

Sarah @ Endless Distances says

14th August 2016 at 1:16 pm

Wow this is so exhaustive!! I’ve don’t the pch before and it’s a dream. I would also definitely recommend staying in Santa Barbara – and the Mexican street food!!!

20th August 2016 at 8:28 pm

Thanks Sarah! It’s a fun place to road trip for sure – thanks for the recommendation!

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The Perfect 5 to 7-Day Northern California Coast Road Trip

Published on September 26, 2023

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Most visitors to California’s coastline head for the southern half of the state. Yet, if you set out for a northern California coast road trip, you’re met with rugged coastlines, historic lighthouses, and tasty food—as well as some stops that are a little more off the beaten path.

You could spend weeks exploring all the ins and outs of this pristine coastline, but 5 to 7 days in northern California is usually plenty for a first trip to the area. 

This article takes a deep dive into everything you need to know about driving the northern California coast. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Northern California?

The sweet spot is 5 to 7 days in northern California. With this amount of time, you can cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed or switching accommodations every night.

With 5 days in northern California, you’ll have plenty of time to drive from the Bay Area to Redwoods National and State Parks. You could opt to turn around sooner and spend more time at each stop. You’ll have time to spend a day or so exploring the towns, overlooks, and beaches you visit without feeling terribly rushed. 

Should you have 7 days in the northern part of California, you have two options for how to spend your trip. First, you can go beyond Redwoods National and State Parks to explore the coastline closest to the California-Oregon border.

Our itinerary below offers a few suggestions for places to stop for the extra two nights. Your second option is to simply spend more time at each stop between SF and the Redwoods. 

No matter how much time you spend in northern California, set aside time to check out the highlights as well as wander off the beaten path. Here is where you’ll find the hidden gems!

Getting To & Around Northern California

You’ll want a car for a northern California road trip—there’s really no way to make the trip without your own vehicle.

If you’re flying in from out of state, you can rent a car from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and return it to the same place when your trip concludes.

There are no places to rent cars along the drive outside of SF, nor are there any options for guided tours to get you between cities. Renting a car or having your own is absolutely needed. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices or alternatively have a look at Outdoorsy if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan.

For most of the drive, you’re heading along Highway 101 or Highway 1 – also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH. This highway is well-known for its stunning views and curvy roads though it most popular when driving between LA and San Francisco . It’s important that you drive slowly.

If you’re easily carsick, have some remedies on hand to help ease it. While the road is curvy and narrow in places, you get incredible views of the coastline as you drive, so you’ll want to take your time. Stop anywhere there’s a safe pullout or parking lot to pause and admire the view. 

5 to 7 Day Northern California Coast Itinerary

Our itinerary starts in San Francisco. If you’re flying into the state, you’ll most likely begin here. However, if you’re driving in, feel free to mix and match the itinerary stops in the way that makes the most sense for you. Plan for one long travel day at the end to return to San Francisco. 

Day 1 – San Francisco

Plan to spend a day exploring San Francisco upon arrival. If you’ve flown in from a different time zone, spend some time readjusting to Pacific time and resting before kicking off your northern California coastal road trip. 

If you’ve never visited the Bay Area before, now is a great time to check out the city. Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll through Golden Gate Park, visit Chinatown, or ride the famous cable cars. With enough time, you can even visit Alcatraz Island and wander Pier 39. 

You could easily spend several days getting to know San Francisco, but for this itinerary, budget one or two days, depending on how much total time you have. Tonight, you can either spend another night in the city or head out to the coast in the evening. The drive from SF to Point Reyes Station is just shy of two hours. 

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Orchard Hotel – Located in downtown San Francisco, this cute boutique hotel is a great base in the city. They have a great location within walking distance of all of San Francisco’s top attractions and there is also breakfast available in the mornings.  Click here to check availability

Axiom Hotel – Those after a luxury option to kick start their Northern California road trip will love this hip hotel right off Union Square. They have an array of lovely rooms to choose from and plenty of amenities available to guests. Click here to check availability

Green Tortoise Hostel – Budget and solo travellers looking to save a bit of cash or meet some other people will love this centrally located hostel. They have a number of dorms and privates along with good common areas and free breakfast. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in San Francisco!

Day 2 – Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes is the jump-off point to visit Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park.

This charming small town is home to some lovely boutique hotels and rentals where you can decompress after enjoying a day on the coastline. Oysters are a must-try here, and there are several places where you can taste local seafood. 

In terms of how you spend your time in Point Reyes, the short answer is to head out to the seashore! Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse, hike to Chimney Rock, and relax on Drakes Beach. One of the most picturesque spots is the Cypress Tree Tunnel. You can also seek out the elephant seals, visit local creameries, rent kayaks if the weather is on your side, and shop at local stores in town. 

Tonight you can stay again in Point Reyes or head to Timber Cove in the evening. The drive is about an hour and a half. 

Where to Stay Near Timber Cove

Jenner Inn – This quaint inn in the town of Jenner makes for an excellent base for this part of your Northern California road trip itinerary. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and plenty of good amenities for guests to enjoy. Click here to check availability

Timber Cove Resort – Located in a dramatic cliffside setting, this is a great choice for those after a luxury option while visiting Northern California. They have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer along with countless plush amenities on offer to guests. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – A private vacation rental is another great option on your road trip. There are countless properties – like this dramatic oceanfront house – available to choose from across a variety of booking platforms. Click here to browse more Timber Cove private rentals!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Timber Cove hotels!

Day 3 – Salt Point State Park & Timber Cove

Day three brings you to Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park. Located in Sonoma County (the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma are located just inland!), the state park covers over six miles of rugged coastline.

There are over 20 miles of hiking trails, but the area is well known for its diving. However, if you’d rather stick to dry land, Salt Point Trail, North Trail Loop, and Pygmy Forest Trail are all great options for easy-to-moderate hikes. 

Tonight, head into Timber Cove. This quaint and secluded town is perfect for a quiet evening. There are several accommodations—all with incredible views of the rocky coastline. This area is known for its craggy sharp cliffs that drop down into pockets of sandy beaches.

Pay a visit to Goat Rock Beach, Fort Ross, and Gualala’s Sand Dunes. If you’re a wine lover, there are five coastal AVAs here for you to explore. Spend tonight in Timber Cover before heading to Mendocino early in the morning. 

Day 4 – Mendocino

The drive from Timber Cove to Mendocino is just under two hours. It’s one of the longer stretches of coastline you’ll drive on this northern California road trip.

The town of Mendocino is charming, so set aside some time to walk around. There are plenty of delicious seafood restaurants and local bakeries to explore. 

Mendocino is unique in that you have access to coastal landscapes and lush forested state parks. Russian Gulch State Park features the historic Russian Gulch Bridge and moderately difficult trails like the Falls Loop Trail that takes you to a 36-foot waterfall.

Along the coast, Big River Beach, Mendocino Bay, and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve are all worth a visit. At Jug Handle, hike the Ecological Staircase Trail takes you along the cliff, through a redwood forest, and to the pygmy forest filled with stunted and ancient trees. 

Where to Stay in Mendocino

Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast – This cosy bed and breakfast is a great, mid-range option in Mendocino. They have a number of cute and quaint rooms to choose from and makes for an excellent base for this part your your road trip in Northern California. Click here to check availability

Agate Cove Inn – Boasting incredible coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, this inn is a great base in Mendocino for those looking for a bit of an upscale stay. They have a number of bright and comfortable rooms to choose from, free parking and an excellent breakfast. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – There are also plenty of private vacation rentals – like this cute cottage in Mendocino village – to choose from in this area along the Pacific coast if that suits your travel style more. Click here to browse Mendocino private rentals!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Mendocino hotels!

Day 5 – Humboldt Redwoods State Park

No visit to northern California is complete without hiking amongst the impressive redwoods. There are pockets of protected national and state redwood parks throughout northern California.

If you only have a 5-day itinerary, make a stop at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Here, you can drive the Avenue of the Giants.

The 31-mile route should be at the top of your to-do list if your time in the park is limited. Founders Grove, Rockefeller Forest, and the Lost Coast Drive are all great ways to spend your time. 

Now, if day five is the last day of your trip, here is where you’ll turn around and head back down to San Francisco. In total, the drive back to the city is 5 to 6 hours. 

Day 6 – Trinidad

If you have 7 days to devote to exploring northern California’s coast, continue driving until you reach Trinidad.

This tiny coastal town features some of the best beaches along the route and several that are reminiscent of the Oregon coast.

Trinidad State Beach and College Cover are two iconic stops. Sue-Meg State Park with its rim trail and Wedding Rock climbs are well worth the visit.

For your overnight accommodation, there are several cabins or vacation rental homes that provide a comfortable stay. 

Where to Stay in Trinidad

View Crest Lodge – This lodge located close to Agate Beach is an excellent place to stay in Trinidad. They have a number of rustic rooms and cottages to choose from along with free parking and a good breakfast available each morning. Click here to check availability

Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast Hotel – This is another great option right on the coast in Trinidad. They have a number of quint rooms on offer to guests, an excellent breakfast and a perfect location directly on the beautiful beach. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – If you’re looking for your own space in the Trinidad area, there are plenty of properties to choose from – like this romantic cottage near the beach . There is something to suit everyone across a range of platforms. Click here to browse Trinidad private rentals

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Trinidad hotels!

Day 7 – Redwoods National & State Parks

First thing first—there are actually four redwood parks throughout the state of California. They include Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

All the parks are clustered in northern California, so you can visit all four parks if time allows. Within the parks, you’ll find some of the world’s most pristine old-growth redwood forests. 

During your visit to Redwood National Park , make a stop at the Kuchel Visitor Center to learn about the park and get the latest updates about its trails.

Ladybird Johnson Trail, Redwood Creek Overlook, and Tall Trees Grove Trail are the three most popular routes. Within the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, head over to the wildly famous fern canyon for a truly unique hike. 

Each park has its own unique trails, scenery, and hikes. If you’re pressed for time, pick just a couple to visit. The national park tends to see bigger crowds, so if you want to get away from other visitors, head for one of the lesser-trafficked state parks.

Have More Time?

If you have a little more time on your California north coast road trip, stop at Anderson Valley. It sits between Highway 101 and the coast. It’s a beautiful stretch of land filled with giant oak trees and sprawling vineyards.

There are two towns: Philo and Boonville. Anderson Valley is a wine lovers’ paradise. It’s one of the lesser-known wine regions in California, which makes it great if you want to enjoy the state’s iconic wine without fighting the crowds you’ll find in Napa or Sonoma . Hendy Woods State Park is full of great hiking trails. You could easily spend a day or two exploring this area. 

It’s also worth your time to linger in San Francisco at the start or end of your trip. There is so much to do in this city that you could spend an entire week here and never run out of ways to fill your time. Relax in Dolores Park, visit the Painted Ladies, take iconic photos at Lombard Street, or visit any of the city’s amazing art museums. 

Should you have more than two weeks in your itinerary, head inland to visit places like Lassen National Park, Yosemite National Lake, and Lake Tahoe . The area around Mount Shasta is also amazing for camping, hiking, and overlooks. 

Finally, if you have more than 7 days to dedicate to the northern California coast, we recommend spending even more time in each destination. Ideally, a minimum of two days allows ample time to admire the location and relax. The redwood forests in particular warrant an entire trip on their own. You’ll be able to catch the highlights on this road trip. 

Of course, you could continue north from your final destination in California and venture along the Oregon Coast and terminate in lively and eccentric Portland. Otherwise, you could even go for an entire San Francisco to Seattle road trip and see a good part of the coastal Pacific Northwest !

The northern California coastline is full of stunning landscapes and hidden gems. There’s so much to do and see that the trick is narrowing down exactly how to spend your time. No matter how long you visit or where you stop, your itinerary will be jam-packed with unforgettable sights. 

Are you visiting northern California? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Yosemite vs Sequoia: Which National Park to Visit?

7 Best Stops on the San Francisco to Big Sur Road Trip

8 Best Stops on a Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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An Epic Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (Guide + Tips From A Local)

last Updated: January 19, 2024 california Northern California

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning an epic Northern California road trip and looking for the best stops to make?! I’m here to show you all the highlights (think redwoods, deep blue lakes, and freshly shucked oysters)! You’ll be wondering why you didn’t take this road trip to Northern California sooner! 

What comes to mind when you picture NorCal? If you said towering redwoods , the granite peaks of Yosemite, and delicious wine regions, you wouldn’t be wrong! But we’ve also got a snow-capped dormant volcano (true story), that dramatic Pacific coastline, plenty of Victorian-era houses, and even the capital of California (no, it’s not LA or SF).

As I’m sure you could’ve guessed, Northern California is HUGE. And with that comes tons of diversity, in both its urban areas and stunning landscapes. You could spend months road tripping to Northern California and still not see it all. You will however feel that relaxed Californian attitude after just a few days in the state.

The area is so massive I even wrote a guide with over 300 things to do in NorCal ! While we won’t be knocking out all 300, we will be crossing off not one, not two, but THREE national parks in California on this Northern California road trip. I told you the itinerary I planned out is epic. 

→ Read Next: The BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)

I’ve lived in California for over 5 years now, and explore the Golden State every chance I get. Although I haven’t completed this entire NorCal road trip I’m suggesting in one go, I’ve been to all the stops — some, even multiple times! I’ve taken all my tips and included them in what I feel is the ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary → perfect for you all looking to explore the northern half of the state!

→ Psst: Check out my road trip packing guide for must-have items and other handy tips and tricks (helpful even if you’re an experienced road tripper, promise!)

Northern California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Start : San Francisco
• Stop #1: Yosemite National Park
• Stop #2: Lake Tahoe
• Stop #3: Sacramento
• Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls
• Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta
• Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad
• Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks
• Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg
• Stop #9: Napa /Sonoma
• Stop #10: Point Reyes
• End : San Francisco

Why take a Northern California road trip?!

Well for starters, NorCal is absolutely breathtaking. As I mentioned before, there’s craggy coastlines, towering redwoods, and delicious oyster picnics!

In addition, the state is just too damn huge to road trip through all at once. I mean, maybe if you had a month plus that’d be slightly doable. While I’m beyond obsessed with the Pacific Coast Highway and southern California , a trip to Northern California is oh so different.

If you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten path and delve from the ordinary, a road trip to Northern California will be perfect for you. 

How Long Will this Road Trip in Northern California take?

This is a super tricky question, because you could honestly spend months exploring NorCal! I say, plan for as long as you’ve got! If you wanna see all the stops on this Northern California road trip itinerary I’ve planned, aim for at least 3 weeks. You can probably do it in 2, but it’ll be super crammed and you’ll do too much driving vs. exploring in my opinion.

If you’ve got less than 2 weeks, I’d pick out a few spots below which pique your interest the most. Look at the map below and try to keep the places you pick close-ish together.

Only have a week or so? Leave off Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. While they’re actually some of my favorite places in Northern California, these two spots are a bit further away from the others, so it doesn’t make sense to include them on a shorter trip. You can easily spend 3-4 days in each, so best to save them for another trip when you can really give them the time they deserve. 

Things to Know Before Driving Around Northern California

Getting to San Francisco

First things first, if you’re not a resident of San Francisco, you’ll of course need to get yourself there (stop #1). Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states. You can start this NorCal road trip in Sacramento, but I have a feeling you’ll probably find cheaper airfare to San Francisco.

Renting a Car

Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this Northern California road trip itinerary! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price (and frequently save a fair bit of money!).

Filling up on Gas

While this Northern California road trip makes a bunch of stops in highly visited areas, it does take you through some more rural spots. Because of that, you’ll wanna make sure to fill up when you see a station if you’re getting to about ½ a tank. 

Some areas will be much more expensive than others, but if you’re not from California, you’ll find that gas prices are probably (much) higher than you’re used to regardless. Gas is the highest in the nation (on par with gas in Hawaii), so just take this account when planning your NorCal road trip budget.

I like to use the app GasBuddy to check out locations and prices of gas stations nearby. Google Maps has also started including gas prices for stations as well.

Traffic in Northern California

While you’ll definitely encounter traffic in certain areas (Bay Area, Sacramento, and likely, Lake Tahoe), you’ll be pleasantly surprised that most of Northern California isn’t super crowded. Yes, there’ll be other cars on the road, but 2352342 times less than in southern California. 

Do note you’ll encounter one-lane roads on certain state highways and other smaller areas. Be patient, let locals pass you, and always pull over at pullouts if you’re driving slower than others. Don’t be that driver with a long line of cars behind them (just please don’t — it aggravates everyone).

Toll Roads in Northern California

You’ll come across some toll roads (and bridges) on this road trip to Northern California. We use FastTrack to automatically pay tolls (kinda like EZ Pass on the East Coast). Some tolls will not take cash, including the drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re not using a FastTrack, you’ll need to look out for bills in the mail, sent to the address linked to the license plate.

Renting a car? I highly recommend asking your car rental company about any toll collection policies ahead of time so there’s no surprises when you return the car. It may be wise to rent a FastTrack from them, but they can sometimes be pretty expensive (depending on the way the rental agency rents them out).

What to Pack for a Northern California Road Trip

Definitely pack a light, waterproof jacket (especially for the coast), and plan to wear layers for outdoor activities (the weather changes fast here). A reusable water bottle will be perfect — the tap water here in California is delicious and definitely drinkable! Keep a cooler in the car for picnic lunches when exploring more remote areas.

And if you plan on doing any hiking, you’ll wanna take along some hiking shoes with good traction. The trails can get slippery, especially during the misty morning.

When to Take this NorCal road trip 

Such a difficult question! But no matter the season, the weather changes quickly in Northern California. If you have ultimate flexibility, I’d choose September or October. Easily. The summer crowds are gone, the sun is out and about, and the leaves are just starting to change colors (in some spots). 

SF experiences an Indian Summer, meaning summer comes late in the city (August – October). Expect fog and chilly weather from May – July. Lassen National Park is best in late summer as well, as it’s usually still pretty snowy in June (meaning the popular trails may still be closed). 

Sacramento will be hotter than all the other destinations on this Northern California road trip, with Lake Tahoe seeing similar temps. The weather on the NorCal coast is finicky at best, but you’ll see lots of sun in early – late Fall (with the most rain December through February).

Where to Stay in Northern California

There’s an abundance of hotels everywhere in NorCal, but why not choose a few unique and exciting AirBnBs as well? Mix it up a bit! Psst: I’ll go into more detail below each stop on this road trip in Northern California, but here’s a few unique spots I’m dying to check out for myself:

• Cozy A-Frame Cabin In The Redwoods (Inverness): Imagine being surrounded by redwoods, yet only a few minutes drive from the coast and wineries. This bohemian A-Frame cabin is great for a small group of friends, small families, and couples who just wanna get away from it all.
• Floating Houseboat (Sausalito): Get the unique Sausalito houseboat experience here! With sweeping views of the bay, the surrounding rolling hills, and in the distance, the majestic slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, I can’t think of a better night in Sausalito. What an experience!
• Japanese-Inspired Oceanfront Retreat (Stinson Beach): Serene and private, this Japanese inspired retreat is just a 3 minute walk to town, the beach and trails! Wear your yukata (kimono) to the inside/outside bathhouse to experience a Japanese soaking tub. Sleep to the sound of waves, wake to bird songs.

If you want to go camping on your road trip in Northern California, that’s totally doable too! You can camp in state parks, in national forests, and on BLM land — and of course there’s designated camping spots! Always double check camping is allowed, and be mindful that you may need to reserve campsites. I’m not an avid camper so don’t have much info for you, but there’s tons of resources online. 

Northern California Road Trip Map

Here’s a Northern California road trip map to get you started! I find seeing all the destinations plotted on a map always helps me visualize my overall journey.

By following this route, you’ll see it takes roughly 26 hours (yes, TWENTY SIX hours!) to make the trip from San Francisco to Point Reyes (with all the stops in between of course). Take that into account when planning your trip (you don’t wanna be driving all day!).

Other road trip posts you may enjoy:

• Complete Pacific Coast Highway Guide (all my favorite stops – yes, all 75 of them!)
• BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)
• Utah’s National Park Road Trip Guide (plus Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon)
• New York City to San Francisco (the ultimate cross-country road trip!)
• Mini Road Trips from San Francisco (perfect when you don’t have enough time to do this full road trip in Northern California) 

The Complete Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Start: san francisco (1-3 days).

If you’ve never been to the City by the Bay before (San Francisco!), you need to spend a few days here! I’m partially biased, but it’s one of the best cities in the world (I moved here for a reason)! 

The city is SO diverse and there’s culture around each and every corner. With so many neighborhoods to explore and tons of beautiful look out spots with views of the famed Golden Gate Bridge, I promise you’ll never get bored. 

I’m listing out a few of my favorites below AND sharing my complete 3-day San Francisco itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip. In all honesty, there’s just too much to do here (not a bad thing), so just pick and choose what sounds interesting to you. And don’t forget to save some time for foodie excursions — the city is FULL of delicious eats!

Top things to do in San Francisco:

• Walk around the Mission District to see the thought-provoking murals (at Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley), and then devour a HUGE Mission Burrito (at either El Farolito or La Taqueria)
• Get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge at either Crissy Field, Baker Beach, and Golden Gate Overlook, and/or walk over the bridge itself (just remember, it’s 2 miles each way!). Wanna see my all-time favorite view of the bridge? Head over to Battery Spence r!
• Drive or walk down Lombard Street, famous for its steep section with EIGHT hairpin turn
• Get a workout on some of my favorite steps and stairs , including the Lyon Street Steps (the whole neighborhood is gorgeous), the Hidden Garden Steps, and the 16 Avenue Mosaic Staircase 

• Explore the ethnic neighborhoods of North Beach and Chinatown — stroll down Grant Avenue (don’t miss the Dragon Gate), sip Chinese mai tais at LiPo Cocktail Lounge, and indulge in egg tarts from Golden Gate Bakery (if they’re open), and grab a slice of Sicilian at Golden Boy Pizza and a cannoli at Stella Pastry 
• Spend the day in Golden Gate Park waving hello to the bison, snagging free views from the Hamon Observation Tower (within the de Young Museum), walking around Stow Lake, sipping tea at the Japanese Tea Garden, getting your science on at the Cal Academy, and cooling off with some froyo from Twirl & Dip 
• Sign up for a tour of Alcatraz — you’ll take the ferry over and then wander the grounds on an audio tour, seeing the old jail cells, and learning about the history of the famous prison. It’s educational, historical, creepy, and impressive all in one.
• Be a tourist at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to watch the sea lions play, get some mini donuts, have lunch at Boudins with some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and take some cheesy tourist pics. The famous Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes aren’t too far from here, either!

What/Where to Eat:

• A ginormous mission burrito at either El Farolito or La Taqueria (can’t go wrong with either)
• Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and green onion pancakes on Taraval Street — we love both Kingdom of Dumpling and Dumpling Kitchen. The pan fried dumplings are my all-time favorite.
• A few scoops at Bi-Rite and a cannoli at Stella’s (two of my all-time favorite sweet treats in San Francisco )

• Slurp up some ramen in Japantown (Marufuku, Ramen Yamadaya, and Hinodeya Ramen Bar are all fan favorites), then try a few Japanese desserts afterwards (mochi from Benkyodo, donuts from Mochill Mochidonut, a cute character crepe from Belly Good Cafe & Crepes, and taiyaki ice cream from Uji Time)
• Some authentic Italian at Original Joe’s — always get the ravioli as your side and save some room for butter cake for dessert!
• One of these super-fun restaurants in San Francisco (I have way too many suggestions to list them all here in this Northern California road trip guide)

Where to Stay:

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in San Francisco, BUT where you stay will GREATLY impact your few days in the city. I can’t stress this enough – all the neighborhoods are drastically different with entirely different vibes.

I recommend staying in the following neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, North Beach, Pacific Heights, the Marina, and Nob Hill. There’s tons of great restaurants over here, and these neighborhoods are pretty central to lots going on. Some popular faves:

• Hotel Vitale (a Joie de Vivre boutique hotel right on the waterfront)
• The Proper Hotel (retro and eclectic with inspired touches of the Old World)
• Hotel Kabuki (a chic, beautiful boutique hotel in Japantown with zen-like public spaces)
• Complete 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary
• 125 Things to do in SF (my ultimate Bay Area bucket list)
• Best Spots to See the Golden Gate Bridge
• My Favorite Dessert Spots in SF
• Day Trip to Muir Woods from San Francisco

Stop #1: Yosemite National Park (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from SF to Yosemite: ~4 Hours (~190 miles)

Nature lovers, rejoice. We’re off to the Sierra Nevada mountains — Yosemite National Park, to be exact! 

The park is famous for its granite formations, incredible cliffs, gushing waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient sequoia groves. It’s majestic, awe-inspiring, grand, and utterly magnificent. There’s simply not enough adjectives to truly capture the spirit of the park. It’s a true work of art! No wonder Ansel Adams (a famous environmentalist and photographer) based so many of his pieces on the place!

Yosemite is regarded as California’s most attractive National Park. I mean, there’s a reason over 4 million people visit each year. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be blown away by Yosemite’s sheer size and magnitude — I promise. 

Since Yosemite is downright huge (roughly 1,200 miles), you’ll want a plan of attack before you visit. You’ll probably spend most of your time in Yosemite Valley checking out the iconic viewpoints and landmarks — including Half Dome and El Capitan, but don’t miss other parts of the parks as well!

Top Things To Do in Yosemite:

• Go hiking, of course! The Mist Trail, Four Mile Trail, and Half Dome (lottery permit required) are all great half-day/full-day (moderate-strenuous) options.
• Check out the sweeping panoramic view at Tunnel View; by far Yosemite’s most iconic spot, and no hiking required! You’ll see landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and even Half Dome from here.

• Go for an easy stroll around Mirror Lake, a small, glacial lake known for its picturesque backdrop of granite domes (aka — don’t miss it)
• Take an epic drive on Glacier Point Road (weather and season permitting) for some of the best views in all of Yosemite, including the aptly named Glacier Point. This is also where you’ll find the 2-mile trailhead for Taft Point (beautiful for sunset).
• Get an up-close view of Yosemite Falls via the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, Lower Yosemite Falls trail, or even from Cook’s Meadow! It’s the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,424 feet!
• Walk along the giant sequoias at Tuolumne and/or Mariposa Groves — both worthy of some time. Look up; you’ll feel so tiny and humbled in their presence! Don’t miss the Grizzly Giant — the oldest and tallest tree in all of Yosemite.
• Experience Yosemite without the crowds at the Hetch Hetchy area, including the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which is probably the most beautiful dam you’ll ever damn see.

You don’t come to Yosemite for the food (spend longer in SF to check out all my favorite restaurants). But thankfully, the park has more food facilities than other national parks!

The lodges within the park have a bunch of dining options, including the Ahwahnee Dining Room (it’s gorgeous), the Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court (for quick, casual meals), Mountain Room and Bar (slightly upscale), and even a Starbucks.

I recommend planning a picnic instead though!

So, here’s the thing with Yosemite. If you’re trying to cut costs, you’ll need to stay roughly 45 minutes to an hour outside of the park (sometimes longer). And combined with the driving within Yosemite itself, it makes for some long driving days. 

If you can swing it, I’d stay within the park itself at one of the few lodges — or, go camping! Inside the park there’s The Ahwahnee Hotel (completely bucket-list worthy), Yosemite Valley Lodge (near Yosemite Falls!), and Curry Village (camping vibes but not actual camping). There’s also a whole slew of campsites within the park. 

We’ve stayed at Rush Creek Lodge (literally minutes outside the entrance to the park) and LOVED it! Psst: You’ll need to make reservations way in advance for any of those, including camping, especially if you’re visiting in summer.

• One Day in Yosemite (I highly recommend longer though!)
• Visiting Yosemite in Winter (it’s a winter wonderland for sure!)

Stop #2: Lake Tahoe (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe: ~ 4 hours, 45 minutes (~205 miles)

Lake Tahoe is a dream come true. There’s fresh mountain air, brisk turquoise water, scenic short hikes, and epic sunsets. It’s actually the largest alpine lake in all of North America. There’s nothing much better than a few days in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, in my opinion. Making Tahoe the perfect stop on any Northern California road trip.

How long you stay solely depends on what you wanna do and how much time relaxing you wanna have. There’s hiking, driving around the lake , stand-up paddling, kayaking, boating, biking, lakeside strolls, and more. We love to visit the State Parks (D.L. Bliss, Sand Harbor, and Emerald Bay), walk the East Shoreline Trail, and stop at the various viewpoints.

Just FYI — the water is COLD, even when the sun is high in the sky and shining. Don’t plan on doing much swimming here unless you’re used to brisk, chilly waters!

Top Things To Do at Lake Tahoe:

• Go stand up paddling (SUP) or kayaking in the aqua colored waters of Sand Harbor (the water is so super clear and the rocks/smooth granite boulders are amazing!). This is my favorite spot in all of Lake Tahoe — don’t miss it; just get there early to beat the crowds!
• Visit Emerald Bay State Park and make the steep one mile hike down to Vikingsholm Castle Historic Site, a castle with Scandinavian architecture that you can tour.
• Go on a hike! There’s no shortage of trails here at Lake Tahoe, ranging from super short ones like Eagle Rock Trail and Cave Rock, to longer, more strenuous hikes including the Rubicon Trail (popular and famous for a reason) and the short but steep Vikingsholm Trail.

• Go for a wander on the newly-completed East Shoreline Trail, taking you from Incline Village all the way to Sand Harbor — but you don’t need to walk the entirety to see spectacular landscapes. This is a must for anyone looking for those epic views of Lake Tahoe.
• Gawk at all the huge yachts in the Tahoe City Marina — we love picking out our favorites and guessing prices (haha).
• Drive around Lake Tahoe , stopping at all the viewpoints and different beaches along the way (my favorites including Hidden Beach, Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, Zephyr Cove, and Secret Cove)
• Go skiing/snowboarding and/or snow-tubing at one of 6 ski resorts, popular ones being Heavenly Mountain and Squaw Valley (weather and snow permitting of course!) Psst – the donuts and hot cocoa in Heavenly Village are delicious!

You may be surprised, but there’s actually a ton of great food (and coffee) in the area! We love Base Camp Pizza, Himmel Haus, Ten Crows BBQ (we’ve eaten here so many times), and The Hangar! Other options include Inclined Burgers and Brews, Tahoe Pourhouse, Glazed and Confused (for donuts!), and Free Bird and I.V. Coffee Lab (for coffee).

Where to Stay: 

Thankfully, there’s lots of hotel and accommodation options in Lake Tahoe. The major towns (where you’ll find most of these places to stay) are in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Truckee. A few recommendations below:

• South Lake Tahoe : Hotel Azure , Basecamp Tahoe South , Hard Rock Hotel & Casino , Hotel Becket
• North Lake Tahoe (including Incline Village and Tahoe City): Hyatt Regency , Franciscan Lakeside Lodge , and Basecamp Tahoe City
• Truckee (a few minutes northwest of Tahoe): Northstar Lodge , Walk Resorts Lake Tahoe
• Driving around Scenic Lake Tahoe (all my favorite stops)

Stop #3: Sacramento (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento: ~2 hours (~110 miles)

Sacramento, the State Capital of California, kinda gets brushed off as just another city, but it’s recently become pretty cool! There’s now microbreweries, trendy boutiques, elegant Victorian-era homes, leafy parks, and farm-to-fork cuisine, all blending seamlessly into a chic urban vibe. It’s seriously underrated!

I mean, a few of my friends have even bought houses here, so I guess it’s not all bad! 

History lovers will fall in love with all things state capitol, as there’s the Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento Waterfront, California State Railroad Museum, and Sacramento History Museum.

Local Tip → if you’re doing your Northern California road trip in the fall (the best time in my opinion), you’ll be passing through Placerville on your way from Tahoe to Sacramento. Do yourself a favor and stop in Apple Hill for some festive fall treats, like caramel apple pecan pie, apple cider milkshake, and apple cider donuts. Mmmm….

Top Things To Do in Sacramento:

• Walk alongside the Sacramento River at RiverWalk Park, then cross over the iconic yellow Tower Bridge into the Old Sacramento Waterfront District
• Visit California’s State Capitol building → you can even take a tour (available every day between 9am-4pm). Don’t miss the gorgeous grounds surrounding the building, and pay a visit to the museum as well

• Join the coffee culture (it’s a big thing here in Sac) — lots of coffee shop recs below!
• Admire some statement art pieces (and learn some history, too!) at the Crocker Art Museum, a staple of Sacramento Art and Culture
• Visit Old Sac(ramento) for some old timey, western vibes (and don’t miss the California Railroad Museum!). It’s full of Gold Rush-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and even horse-drawn carriages.
• Hunt for colorful murals around town; there’s constantly new pieces from the Wide Open Walls and Sacramento Mural Festival (my kinda festival!). Don’t miss the Lady Bird mural at 901 16th Street, Michelle Obama Mural at 1409 Del Paso Blvd, and the Here Comes the Sun mural at 1818 X Street

What/Where To Eat:

As mentioned above, Sac is now a haven for foodies! There’s a whole bunch of trendy brunch spots, hip coffee spots, and eclectic dining for dinner. I’m adding an extra section for coffee because there’s just so many great coffee shops! Here’s our favorites, and where we can’t wait to indulge in next: 

FOOD/DRINK: Yard House (modern and casual, yet upscale at the same time, with over 100 draft brews and craft cocktails), Punch Bowl Social Sacramento (for some bomb chicken and waffles), Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar (go for some wine and charcuterie), The Bank (upscale food court in a refurbished bank),  Beast + Bounty (hip Californian restaurant), Hook and Ladder (another Californian restaurant)

COFFEE: Temple Coffee Roasters (an absolute must!), Vampire Penguin on K, Goodside Coffee, Pachamama Coffee, Camellia Coffee Roasters, Naked Coffee Roasting & Cafe

Sac is larger than many think, with many different neighborhoods. You’ll wanna stay in Downtown Sacramento, the quintessential business district, located right in the city center! I’ve heard great things about the following hotels:

• Kimpton Sawyer Hotel : a stylish hotel with a pool and chic dining, plus in-room yoga mats
• The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection : sophisticated and elegant lodging with a stylish restaurant, bar, and fitness center 
• Hyatt Regency Sacramento : contemporary rooms, posh dining, and a cocktail bar (plus an outdoor pool and spa)
• The Inn & Spa at Parkside : stately mansion with elegant rooms and gourmet breakfasts (!!!)

Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Sacramento to Lassen: ~3 hours (160 miles)

From steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots, to piping fumaroles and remnants of volcanic activity. That, my friends, is Lassen Volcanic National Park in a nutshell .  I just couldn’t believe how bad certain parts of the park smelled (due to the sulphur, which smells juuuust like rotten eggs).

While Lassen is definitely a little less discovered than other parks, I highly recommend adding it to your Northern California road trip itinerary. It’s even called a mini Yellowstone, boasting similar natural phenomena to the (super crowded) park in Wyoming.

Promise me you won’t miss nearby Burney Falls — it’s my all-time favorite waterfall in California (well, maybe besides McWay Falls in Big Sur ). 

Top Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park:

• Make short stops at Lake Helen, Emerald Lake, and Manzanita Lake (for stunning reflections of the Lassen Volcano)
• Smell the sulphur at Sulphur Works – an active hydrothermal area. And when I say active, you have no idea how active! Walk over to the bubbling mud pot and steaming vents, and you’ll see what I mean!

• Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail, a three mile round-trip hike leading to a boardwalk full of all kinds of crazy things. Here you can listen to bubbling mudpots, watch the steam escape from a fumarole (named Big Boiler), marvel at the unusual multi-colored soil, and watch the boiling pools of water. Note that the trail typically does’t open until mid-June/early July due to high snowfall in the winter months.
• Marvel at Burney Falls (it’s been called the eighth wonder of the world for a reason!). I even dubbed it as one of the most beautiful places in California . I recommend doing the short loop hike that takes you down past the falls.

Unfortunately, there’s a serious lack of food options in the national park (to be expected) and between the waterfalls. I encourage you to bring our own picnic lunches (we typically buy sandwiches at a grocery store near our hotel).

There’ll be plenty of food options in Redding if you decide to stay there (next stop on our list anyways, so might as well condense the number of times you unpack!).

While it’s not impossible to find hotel accommodation located directly in the park, your best bet is to stay in Redding/Anderson (45 miles west of the park) or Chester (30 miles south of the park). 

• Redding: TownePlace Suites Redding , Fairfield Inn and Suites , Hilton Garden Inn
• AirBnBs closer to Lassen Volcanic: Touch of Home , TeePee Tent (quite a unique stay!), Cozy Log Cabin

MORE INFO: 

• The Complete Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park 

Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lassen to Redding: ~1 hour (~50 miles)

Longing for some sunshine? With over 300 sunny days, you’re bound to find some warm air in Redding (and fun fact: surprisingly, it’s actually the 2nd sunniest city in the US!). 

Redding icons include a giant sundial (morphed into a bridge), million-year-old caves, and spectacular views of Mt. Shasta from Castle Crags State Park. And plus, Downtown Redding has no shortage of public art spaces, music performances, and hot dining spots.

On the flip side, the rugged 14k-foot volcanic mountain of Mount Shasta is just begging to be explored; there’s backcountry skiing, climbing, and tons of panoramic views. And the skiing is almost half the price of similar conditions in Tahoe – win win.

Redding and Mount Shasta are about an hour away from each other, so definitely plan out your day/days in advance so you’re not zigzagging back and forth!

Top Things to Do in Redding and Mount Shasta:

• Walk across the Sundial Bridge and check out the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Trust me, this ain’t your average bridge — the glass block walkway and soaring white tower and suspension cables are pretty cool. (Redding)
• Sign up for a free, ranger-led kayak tour around Whiskeytown Lake — the Moonlight Tour would be an epic thing to add to your road trip to Northern California. (Redding)
• The Shasta Dam, across the Sacramento River, is not to be missed (and there’s a FREE tour)! The architecture is pretty grand, and the Shasta Dam is the second largest in the states after the Hoover Dam in Nevada. (Redding)

• Take a short catamaran ride on Shasta Lake en route to the limestone caves of Shasta Caverns, where stalactites, helictites, and rare formations await (between Redding and Shasta)
• Hike (or drive) around McCloud Falls, a series of three waterfalls each easily accessible from the parking lot. My favorite’s Middle Falls! (Shasta)
• Get your hike on at Castle Crags State Park, admiring the 6,000-feet tall crags. If you squint really hard, you may even see Mt. Shasta from the very top! (Shasta)
• Spend your whole day with stunning views of Mount Shasta from Castle Lake Road (Shasta)

The culinary scene is alive and well in Redding! Locals have a ton of old favorites, and there’s always new chefs popping up in town.

Here’s my top picks for food and desserts in Redding and around → Anthony’s Mediterranean Grill, The Parlor Ice Cream (for ice cream donut puffs), Dutch Brothers Coffee, Deja Vu (for breakfast/brunch), Taste & See Creamery (creative ice cream flavors), Cinders Wood Fired Pizza, and Jack’s Donuts (for more sweets). 

I’ve also heard Le Testimony Organic Bistro, Evergreen (for coffee), Theory Collaborative (for coffee), Mosaic (California-inspired), and Yak’s On The 5 (with a cult following!) are all really tasty!

It may be wise to stay at the same spot as you did for Lassen, if you’re like me and hate moving around every night or two.

• Mount Shasta: Mount Shasta Resort , McCloud Mercantile Hotel , Best Western Plus Tree House

Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Redding to Eureka: ~3 hours (~150 miles)

Imagine spending your time amongst the lush greenery of the towering redwoods, walking around old victorian architecture, and gazing at rugged and remote ocean landscapes. That’s Eureka in a nutshell ! 

The landscapes are stunning, there’s lots of talented local artists (hello colorful street art!), and the coast is craggy in this vibrant seaport city. It’s the quintessential California coastal town. 

And Trinidad is only a few miles north — I was OBSESSED with basically everything about it. Definitely don’t miss this spot. The rocky coastal landscapes are insane.

Top Things To Do in Eureka and Trinidad:

• Slather on the sunscreen and make the steep trek down to College Cove Beach — don’t miss the caves filled with starfish and sea anemone (or take the coastal trail above the beach to find the secret swing) (Trinidad)
• Soak up the rugged coastline on the Trinidad Fishing Pier over Trinidad Harbor, a popular crabbing spot with even more spectacular views (Trinidad)

• Wander around the handsomely restored Old Town district, and feel like you’re still in the Victorian era. Don’t miss the dozens of ornate 19th century Victorian homes, including the Carson Mansion and the Pink Lady! (Eureka) 
• Take a morning stroll along the Giant Sequoias at Sequoia Park, filled with tons of towering trees and even more cute pups (Eureka) 
• Go for the full flight of ciders (or go easy with an “ample sample”) at Humboldt Cider Company Tap Room (Eureka)
• Spend an afternoon wandering around the tiny town of Ferndale, a former dairy capital with Victorian-era ‘butterfat mansions

There’s a whole slew of dining options in Eureka and whole area, with my favorites below:

• Coffee:  Jitter Bean Coffee Co, Old Town Coffee & Chocolates, Gold Rush Coffee on Broadway, and Dutch Brother’s
• Breakfast: Renata’s Creperie (Arcata), Los Bagels (Eureka, Arcata), The Greene Lily (Eureka), Ramone’s Bakery & Cafe (multiple locations)
• Lunch/Dinner: Oaxaca Grill Restaurant (Eureka), Sixth and E Neighborhood Eatery (Eureka), Surfside Burger Shack (Eureka), Humboldt Bay Social Club (Samoa), Samoa Cookhouse (Samoa), Campground (Arcata)

Being one of the major towns on the NorCal coast, there’s tons of accommodation options in Eureka and nearby.

• Eureka: Carter House Inns (upscale lodging with Queen Anne architectural charm), Inn at 2nd & C (a largely restored hotel from the 1880’s with an old-school vibe),  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eureka , Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn , and Eureka Inn Trademark by Wyndam .
• AirBnBs in Eureka: Chic Eureka Studio (a chic and modern 500sq ft upstairs studio), this Modern Studio Loft (Newly renovated space with sleeping loft and fully stocked kitchen)
• AirBnbs Nearby: The Ranch House at Humboldt Bay Social Club (the crown jewel of a 22-acre bayfront property), 1952 Airstream Dream (Stay in a piece of history – this 1952 Airstream offers modern comforts with a historic feel), or check out this Enchanting Dome House in the Redwoods (nestled in 5 acres of redwoods yet still so close to the beach!)

More Resources: 

• Weekend Getaway to Scenic Trinidad and Eureka 

Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Eureka to Redwood Parks: ~1 hour, 15 minutes (~50 miles)

Ancient and mysterious. Stately and powerful. Cool and dark and damp and pungent. I could go on and on with ways to describe these old-growth redwood trees. The redwoods are a true icon of NorCal — meaning, you won’t wanna miss them on your road trip to Northern California! I mean, the Northern California coast is the ONLY place in the WORLD you’ll find these coastal redwoods.

A lot of people get this confused, so I’ll clear this up right away — Redwood National and State Parks are actually a few parks in one, located on the coast in Northern California in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The parks include: 

• Redwood National Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

An hour north outta the way (you’ll have to drive through Eureka to get back south to SF), but well worth the detour. I mean, this Northern California road trip has already brought you so close!

If you’re not feeling the extra driving, you could always hit up the Avenue of the Giants on your way to Mendocino or Muir Woods on your way back to San Francisco. You can also drive through a 315-foot redwood tree at Leggett’s Drive-Thru Tree Park (don’t forget to take a photo!) on the way back from Mendocino.

Psst: For this NorCal road trip, I’d stick to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. The other two (Del Norte Coast and Jedediah Smith) are further north, adding extra driving time to your route.

Top Things to Do in Redwood National and State Parks:

• Apply for a permit to hike the never-crowded Tall Trees Grove Trail — only 50 cars are allowed in per day
• Find “Atlas”, one of the widest trees in the park at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, or just stroll around the 75 miles of trails amid old-growth redwoods 

• Wander through the fairy tale forest of the short yet stunning Fern Canyon , an unusual vertical-walled river canyon covered in leafy ferns (Fun Fact: Part of the 3rd Jurassic Park movie was filmed here!)
• Hike through a lush rainforest to a suspension bridge overlooking Trillium Falls — it’s absolutely mesmerizing 

Again, like other national parks in California, there’s not many options for food within the parks themselves. You’ll wanna bring along a picnic and/or have a big breakfast in Eureka/Trinidad.

Where to Stay: I recommend staying at the same accommodation in either Trinidad or Eureka, and making a day trip (or two) — depending on how much hiking you wanna do. Or, you could go camping in the parks if that’s your style!

Read Next: 

• 15 Places to See Redwoods and Giant Sequoias in California 
• Hiking the Fern Canyon Trail (everything you need to know)

Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from the Redwoods to Mendocino: ~4 hours (~190 miles)

*If you’re staying in Eureka, it’ll be approximately 3 hours to get to Mendocino from here.

Get ready for misty mornings, dense redwood forests, and fern-covered canyons – Mendocino is any nature lover’s perfect weekend getaway! There’s stunning shorelines, mushroom ice cream (yup – I said mushroom), secluded beaches, sleepy sea lions, and magical sea caves. 

Since the drive from the redwoods to Mendocino will be one of the longest on this Northern California road trip, why not break it up? Go for one last breakfast in Eureka, and then you can stop at the Avenue of the Giants on the way (about half the way in Weott).

Drive slowly through the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic 30 mile highway running through 50,000 acres of redwood groves in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Put on your boots and walk through the clover-lined mini trails in the park (don’t miss the Founder’s Tree and Dyerville Giant)!

Top Things To Do in Mendocino and Fort Bragg:

• Spot the rainbow of sea glass on Glass Beach within MacKerricher State Park (but don’t take any with you)
• Smell the rhododendrons, begonias, and other beauties at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, then head to the water for great views of the rocky coastline 

• Sip wine with a view of the rocky Mendocino coast at Pacific Star Winery (one of the best places to stop on this Northern California road trip for wine and nature lovers!)
• Check out the numerous (and gorgeous!) state parks in the area, including Van Damme, Russian Gulch, Jug Handle, and Mendocino Headlands
• Climb aboard the world-famous Skunk Train in Fort Bragg , and ride into the nearby lush redwood forests. There’s two-passenger railbikes if you’re looking for something a bit more active. 
• Cowlicks Ice Cream: Possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever had. The line is long but the portions more than make up for it.
• Frankie’s: This small restaurant is known for both their pizza and ice cream (can’t go wrong with either — this is where we get mushroom ice cream!)
• MacCallum House: I heard people raving about the atmosphere and food → Definitely the spot to be for a cute brunch.  Kinda expensive, but kinda worth it.

• Patterson’s Pub: A local favorite in the area. Prices are good, beers are flowing, and you’re sure to find an interesting crowd at the bar.
• Wild Fish: Wanna surprise your partner with an amazing meal and ocean views? Make a reservation (the place is super tiny) at Wild Fish, a super romantic fine-dining restaurant. We love it here!
• Little River Inn: Another good place for a romantic dinner in a super charming spot

Where To Stay:

• Glendeven Inn & Lodge (my top pick). If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay, look no further than the Glendeven Inn. I can’t stop gushing about our stay there, I really can’t! Expect an in-room wood-burning fireplace, homemade breakfasts, and a location surrounded by the lush Van Damme State Park.
• Sea Rock Inn : We also passed by the cottages at Sea Rock Inn after walking around the Headlands, and I think we wanna check that place out next time we visit!
• Heritage House : A romantic seaside escape in a historic Gold Rush farmhouse?! Yes please! 

More resources: 

• The Weekend Guide to Mendocino and Fort Bragg 

Stop #9: Napa/Sonoma (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Mendocino to Napa: ~2 ½ hours (~115 miles)

Everyone’s heard of Napa. I mean, there’s wine – what’s not to love?! But haha, Napa is so much more than that – imagine lush rolling hills, miles and miles of vineyards, generous tasting pours, and some truly amazing restaurants (including the ridiculously-priced but highly sought-after French Laundry). It would be a shame not to include it on your road trip to Northern California!

While Napa is more glam-worthy, Sonoma is more spread out and expansive (at almost double the size of Napa!), with a much more chill vibe. Sonoma’s kinda like the gloriously laid-back sister of nearby Napa Valley, and we love it!

Sonoma even grows tons more varieties of grapes, meaning a larger selection of wines (although Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir are the most abundant)!

While we love both areas, I’d honestly pick either Napa Valley or Sonoma. It’s just just too spread out to do it all. My favorite towns in Sonoma are Petaluma and Healdsburg/Guerneville, while we enjoy winery hopping all over Napa Valley.

Top Things To Do in Napa

• Sip wine in a real-life castle at Castello di Amorosa (inspired by a castle in Tuscany), and then say hi to the baby goats on property!
• Stomp on grapes in a wine barrel at Sterling Vineyard (one of the messiest things to do in on this Northern California road trip), after taking the gondola up the hill for stunning vineyard views

• Gather supplies and feast on a gourmet picnic under the shady oak trees at V. Sattui with meats, cheeses, and even cheesy jalapenos! 
• Board the Napa Valley Wine Train for spectacular vineyard views while feasting on a first-class meal
• Float away in a hot air balloon above the vineyards of Napa Valley – and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds!
• Cool off in a CAVE and learn about the winemaking process and see where barrels are stored on a winery cave tour 

Top Things To Do in Sonoma

• Walk along the Petaluma waterfront, and grab a slice of pie from Petaluma Pie Company and/or an ice/soft serve combo from Wicked Slush (one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco )
• Sip some wine and snack on gourmet foods in a modern castle at Ledson Winery & Vineyards (the grounds are spectacular!)

• Bring your blow-up floatie or inner tube and float down the Russian River (or just relax at Johnson’s Beach, one of the most popular things to do in Northern California, and more specifically, Guerneville !)
• Hike among the majestic sequoia trees at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – they’re over 500 years old and over 200 feet tall!
• Go wine tasting in Alexander Valley, one of the best cabernet sauvignon growing regions in the world
• Learn about California history by checking out the Mission San Francisco Solano, the barracks, Toscano Kitchen, and other exhibits at the Sonoma State Historic Park (all in a span of 3 blocks)

The dining options are nearly endless here – from $500 multi-course michelin-star meals to a bustling marketplace full of trendy eateries! There’s tons of wine country casual hot spots to choose from.

In Napa we LOVE checking out the Oxbow Public Market, getting breakfast at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon (worth waiting in line for), having dinner on the outdoor patio at Bistro Don Giovanni, and having picnics at whatever vineyards allow it!

Sonoma is well-known for The Girl & The Fig (still on my must-eat list), Sunflower Caffe (one of my favorites!), my friends restaurant Sugo Trattoria (get the bruschetta – it’s so good), and KINSmoke (a southern bbq place).

Where to stay:

Accommodation in Napa Valley tends to be on the expensive side, especially during summer and fall. But don’t let that deter you — even if you can spend just one night I say go for it!

Napa: We’ve stayed at and love the Andaz Napa , and I’ve heard great things about River Terrace Inn , Hotel Yountville (the pool area looks divine!), and SENZA Hotel . And of course the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley is on my bucket list.

Sonoma: Check out the Ledson Hotel (upscale and elegant), Sonoma Hotel (historic!), El Dorado Hotel (chic with fine dining), and Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country .

There’s also quite a few unique stays in this area if that’s something you’re interested in:

• Sleep in a tent and go glamping at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping (Sonoma)
• Feed the giraffes and stay in an upscale tent on a 400-acre wildlife preserve at Safari West , also known as the “Sonoma Serengeti” (Sonoma)
• Stay in a modern Craftsman-style bungalow with a fireplace at The Bungalows at Calistoga — I want to stay here so bad! (Napa)

Stop #10: Point Reyes National Seashore (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Napa to Point Reyes: ~1 hour, 45 minutes (~75 miles)

By now you’re probably exhausted from all the running around on this Northern California road trip (told ya there’s lots to do here!). BUT, I promise a day (or two!) in Point Reyes is well worth your time, especially if you’re up for a (stunning) coastal hike and some grilled oysters!

The area is known for its charming small town (Point Reyes Station), some of the best oysters in all of California, award-winning cheese, and green coastal landscapes. It honestly kinda looks like something outta an Ireland fantasyland (from my speculations, since, ermmmm, I haven’t made it to Ireland just yet).

FYI — Point Reyes is one of the foggiest, rainiest, and windiest places in all of the Bay Area. You’ll wanna dress in layers and keep a waterproof jacket in the car no matter when you visit. Unfortunately, the weather’s wildly unpredictable over here!

Top Things To Do in Point Reyes

• Walk down the equivalent of a 30-story building to the Point Reyes Lighthouse (one of the most strenuous things to do on this Northern California road trip by far!) Work those glutes!
• Find the Inverness Shipwreck (psst – it’s behind a small grocery store in Inverness, or simply put “Point Reyes Shipwrecks” into Google Maps). Don’t attempt to climb it — it’s old and unsteady and unfortunately deteriorating! Just admire from afar.

• Have an oyster picnic! It’s exactly what it sounds like! Feast on freshly harvested oysters (and even shuck and grill them yourself!) at Hog Island Oyster Company and/or Tomales Bay Oyster Company.
• Walk the (mostly flat!) 9.6 miles of the Tomales Point Trail or the much shorter 1.9 mile Chimney Rock Trail. Both are absolutely beautiful, and kinda hidden gems of Northern California. You’ll be able to see elephant seals on the beach below the Chimney Rock Trail (in the winter season), and Tule Elk on the Tomales Point Trail!
• Up your instagram game with a photo under the Cypress Tree Tunnel (but be sure to get there early – it’s popular with photographers and tourists).
• If there’s only one thing you eat in Point Reyes, make it oysters — this part of the coast is known for them for a reason! Check out either Hog Island, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, and if all else fails, The Marshall Store.
• Bovine Bakery: A local jaunt with a sustainable focus, with artisan pastries, cookies, pizza, and fair-trade coffee. A great little spot for breakfast or lunch (PS: the morning buns and rare savory scones are heavenly).
• Sir and Star at the Olema: If you’re looking for locally focused California fare, you need to make a reservation here. Sit by the fireplace, sip some wine, and order the beignets along with your dinner.

Surprisingly, despite its location, Point Reyes has more accommodation options than you probably think. You’ll find bed and breakfasts, hotels, cottages, and some epic AirBnbs around here. A few worth noting:

• Olema House at Point Reyes : It’s intimate and tranquil, — and plus, it’s surrounded by national forests!
• Nick’s Cove and Cottages : Nostalgic and welcoming and located right on the water!
• AppleGarden Cottage: A private bed-and-breakfast (located on a working farm!) just outside of Tomales/Point Reyes
• Straus Home Ranch : A beautifully renovated 150 year old farmhouse nestled between eucalyptus and cypress trees

End: San Francisco

DRIVE TIME from Point Reyes to San Francisco: 1 ½ hours (~60 miles)

Woo — officially made it back from our Northern California road trip! If you’ve got another day or two, continue checking out SF ( there’s loads to do ), or take a day trip ( I’ve got lots of good options here )! Some of my favorites and where I love bringing visitors: Muir Woods , Sausalito , Battery Spencer , and Half Moon Bay / Pacifica . 

Hope this helps you plan your Northern California road trip! Have a few oysters and ice creams for me!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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June 2, 2023 at 5:11 pm

Definitely agree that Lake Tahoe is a dream come true! Those crystal clear waters and fresh air can’t be beat!

July 19, 2023 at 9:36 am

I’m from the east coast and planning a trip to northern California and this is extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

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California Road Trip Itinerary 7 Days on the Coast

A Calfornia road trip is something everyone needs to experience. The coast is beautiful, the food is amazing, and the activities are endless! This California road trip itinerary (7 days) will help you see the best the state has to offer.

There are so many road trip options in California . An LA to San Fransisco road trip is the perfect option when thinking about making the most of your budget with cheap flight options always available. When I got my first travel credit card , I had enough points for a flight to LA. I automatically thought of going on this trip. Here is my 7 day California road trip itinerary!

Table of Contents

• Flight — travel points
• Rental Car — $126 a person
• Hotels — $215 a person
• Tours, Food, and Events — approx. 400
• Total Cost — $741

7 Day California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Malibu

Day 2: Los Angeles

Day 3: Santa Monica

Day 4: Big Sur

Day 5: Big Sur to San Francisco

Day 6: San Francisco

Day 7: Wineries and Hearst Castle

Day 8: Fly Home

Shout out to my cousin who lives in Santa Monica—he let us stay there for free, which was awesome!

Pro-tip: Have family or friends that live somewhere really interesting? Ask them if you can come to visit! My cousins were out-of-town, and we got to stay at their wonderful apartment—right in Santa Monica!

Tips for your California Road Trip

1. Your 7-day California road trip itinerary can easily change depending on how long you want to spend in different places. I optimized this itinerary for a little of everything.

2. The drive from LA to San Francisco can be done in many different ways. Route 1 is the most iconic but takes the longest and is dangerous. We only took Route 1 on the way there. On the way back, we took a less stressful drive, but were still able to stop at some beautiful places.

3. There are multiple cities to stop at between LA and San Francisco like Monterey (which I love — go to the aquarium !). Take your time.

4. Big Sur is a popular spot! Book ahead —when I went to book things in February, many things were already sold out for late March. Buy ahead of time! There are lots of options—camping, glamping , hotels, resorts.

5. There is so much to do in LA and San Francisco. This 7-day California road trip itinerary will barely scratch the surface! Just know that you can’t see everything, but you can see a lot. Here are more road trip ideas in the USA.

6. Both LA and San Francisco are pretty budget-friendly! Many things are free or almost free to do. We only spent a little over $30 on two activities while there. The biggest expenses were food, rental car , and hotels. We didn’t pay much for the things we did!

7. It’s not as warm in March and April as you would think! We could wear shorts in LA, but once we got to Big Sur and north of there, it got pretty cold. We were wearing sweaters, jackets, and pants pretty much the whole time. Be prepared!

Plan Ahead, but Stay Flexible

Research attractions, accommodations, and potential stops along the way while still allowing for spontaneity and detours to explore unexpected gems.

I recommend doing this by choosing anchor spots to stay and planning a few activities in each that you know you don’t want to miss. Have ideas of other things to do, but don’t overpack your itinerary so you still have space to discover things!

Essentials to Pack

• Foldable Backpack :  Carry essentials like maps, snacks, water, and a  first aid kit  in a day pack you can easily grab in your car. You don’t want to have to unpack your whole bag looking for something.
• Reusable Water Bottle  : Good for the environment and means you stay hydrated at all times! Most places in the US will have an easy place to fill up your water bottle on a trip.
• Portable Charger with Fast Charging Technology :  Even if you think you don’t need it because your car has a plug, I still recommend bringing an additional charger. You want to make sure you have the ability to navigate and get help if needed.
• Sunglasses : While you might think that drinking into the sunset sounds romantic, it’s not easy on your eyes. Get some good sunglasses!
• Collapsible Cooler : Keep drinks, snacks, and leftovers cold with a collapsible cooler for easy storage and setup when needed. It fits easily in a suitcase!

Subscribe  to access my editable  road trip packing checklist !  Discover  what to pack for an international trip here, too.

Venice Beach — free

I found the cheapest flight I could, which meant leaving a day before Elizabeth could because of work. So, I had the day to explore on my own! We rented a car, which made this whole trip possible, and I drove right to the beach from the airport. I hopped from beach to beach and got to see some beautiful spots!

Venice Beach is full of eclectic and interesting sites! I had an awesome time just walking through and seeing different performers, enjoying the street art and artists, watching skaters, and relaxing on the beach.

Malibu – El Matador Beach — free

Malibu is SO PRETTY! I went to El Matador Beach, which is about 30 minutes north of Santa Monica—where we were staying. I loved the cliffs, soft sand, and, of course, watching an amazing sunset on the beach.

I’ve been to LA three times now and the beaches have to be one of my favorite parts. Read more about beaches in and around LA that are my favorite!

Pro-tip: Parking in LA near Venice Beach is not easy—there’s so much traffic! I was able to find street parking and paid $2 an hour. Prepare for this if you are driving. Malibu was very easy to park in—the beaches had their own parking lots.

Griffith Park — free

Griffith Park is huge! Plan a lot of time here. We hiked (kind of) close to the Hollywood sign and then went back because of time, and it was hot—we were uncomfortable. There are some incredible hikes in Southern California, though, worth checking out! Just bring water and don’t go during the hottest part of the day!

We spent a long time in traffic getting to the abandoned zoo, which was cool but not worth the traffic we endured. There was this weird moment where we were like, do we turn back? But we’re in so deep;  we’ve been in traffic so long! So we did it anyway. The zoo was cool, but the traffic… We also did not anticipate how terrible the traffic would be around the parks because of Easter. Beware of LA if you visit on Easter day!

Pro-tip: Griffith Park has tons of different areas—it is HUGE! Take time to look over a map of Griffith Park when planning your visit. We liked the observatory, seeing the Hollywood sign, and the abandoned zoo, but it took us longer because we didn’t anticipate looking over trail maps and figuring out where to go.

If you have time, consider hiking to the Hollywood sign. It’s a great way to see an incredible view of LA.

Hollywood Boulevard — free

This area of LA was not that exciting to me. Seeing all the stars and the Chinese Theater was pretty cool, but after that, there is not much to do! This led us to visiting Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum!

Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum — $25

I took about a million photos here, and I couldn’t make a normal face in any of them… Can I just say I am not the type to go to a wax museum and I don’t recommend it? We honestly were bored walking down Hollywood Boulevard after seeing the Chinese Theater. I had never been to a wax museum, and it seemed kind of silly, but it was fun because where else but in “superficial” Hollywood to see wax figures?

Tired from a day of walking and traffic, we went home early to a good dinner in Santa Monica and bed by 10 pm.

Pro-tip: Honestly, traffic in LA is terrible. There are people everywhere. It was a bit stressful to drive, but this is the only way around. Allow yourself extra time to account for traffic and getting from place to place.

Don’t want to explore LA on your own ? Consider a tour of Los Angles top sites instead!

Santa Monica

Trapeze lesson — $40 on groupon.

We knew we wanted to go to Santa Monica Pier. It’s iconic, and the rides are pretty fun. We also knew we wanted to do something unique. I saw surfing lessons, paddle boarding, and trapeze lessons, all available in Santa Monica. With the weather being cloudy, it got chilly that day, and we decided against being in water. We ended up finding a Groupon for $40 for a two-hour trapeze lesson. It was so much fun and so scary (at first anyway). If you’ve never done one, you totally should!

Santa Monica Pier Rides — $10

You can get a pass for up to 3 rides for $10. We decided on this because, after the trapeze, we were kind of adrenaline rushed-out… It ended up still being fun, and the view from the top of the Ferris wheel was awesome!

Comedy Show or Movie — $15

We found this funny-sounding comedy show about cats in Hollywood for that night (there are so many every night—just Google the date and “comedy show LA” and you’ll find one worth your time). Well, I forgot my ID so we ended up going to a movie in the Chinese Theater, which was still fun. This is something you definitely should look into if you’re visiting because there are tons of good comedy shows happening in LA! There’s so much talent there—go to one!

I did not like Los Angeles as much as I thought I would on this trip, but after a second trip for 3 days in LA , I liked it a lot better. Don’t spend much time in Hollywood! There’s so much more to do in LA. I had never been and tried to do many of the touristy things. It ended up just being crowded and hot. Hollywood is not worth much time in my opinion, and I think you are better off spending more time on a beach or pier!

Drive to Route 1 to Big Sur

Okay, so I may be behind the times, but when I first started planning the trip, I thought Big Sur was the name of the national park itself—MY BAD! It’s actually the name of the whole area, and there are many different state parks inside Big Sur.

As you drive north from LA, make stops in different towns. Malibu, Avila Beach, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo are all towns worth stopping in before getting to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

This made deciding where to go difficult because everything online looked gorgeous. We ended up deciding on one major stop—Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park—to see McWay Falls (which we did the second day through Big Sur). The rest of our stops were just chosen along the way! We decided to take our time to enjoy it and spent almost the whole day on the drive, making stops at fruit stands, random roadside views, and the beaches we saw.

It is absolutely amazing. Can you believe this was just a random stop?! It ended up bringing us to an amazing view!

Staying anywhere in Big Sur along the coast is pretty pricey. Book far in advance or camp to save money. We ended up getting a gorgeous place right on the water with a view. There was this intense trail that felt like it was on a cliff (mostly because it was), and we swerved back and forth until we made it down to a beach, where we were greeted with a waterfall! The picture below is the beach we hiked down to as the sun came up.

Money-Saving Tip : Big Sur is full of expensive hotels and only a few budget ones. There are lots of cheap camping options. If you can, camp and save. We did not have enough space to pack for that and booked a hotel that was on the cheaper end for Big Sur, called  Ragged Point Inn,  but it still felt expensive at $215 a night, even with a view.

Pro-tip : There are so many places to stop in Big Sur. We took our time on the drive. When we saw something beautiful, we stopped and took some time there. Big Sur is worth all the stops. Give yourself time to enjoy the roadside stops.

Route 1 stops in Big Sur

Pro-tip:   Road trips  are all about taking in the scenery and exploring places, and this 7-day California road trip itinerary is no different. Take your time as you drive through and stop whenever you feel like it!

I loved Big Sur so much! It’s one place that I would love to go back and spend more time in. The beautiful blue water, awesome hikes, and sunsets were incredible! There are lots of  PCH road trip stops  off the beaten path. Make sure you check them out.

Drive to San Francisco

San Francisco has more budget-friendly hotels than I expected. We booked  San Francisco Inn ; it was not glamorous, but it was close to everything and included parking, which was crucial for the road trip.

We then toured around San Francisco—seeing iconic parks (including the Full House houses), streets (Lombard), and my friends! It was so cool to catch up with friends that I made in DC who have moved out to San Francisco. Everything in San Francisco was super easy to get to and traffic was not that bad. It’s way smaller than LA and taking an Uber was much more feasible here because it didn’t cost a ton of money to take one!

San Francisco

Alcatraz — $35

I was so glad we had two days in  San Francisco . We woke up and went straight to  Alcatraz.  The audio tour was very informative, and we saw all the different parts of Alcatraz. I’m really glad we did this because I feel like I learned a lot about the infamous prison and the criminals that were held there, which is crazy! Also, the views are gorgeous from there!

Pro-Tip : Book ahead for Alcatraz. You must have a boat ticket and at a preset time to see it and tickets will most likely sell out. Also, it’s chilly in San Francisco this time of year! You won’t get much time outside on the boat with cold winds.

This ended up being random, but I posted a picture on Facebook in San Francisco, and it just so happened that my cousins were in town visiting from  Zambia  and Northern California!

So we met up at  Pier 39 , which is right next to the boats for Alcatraz and made it easy. This area is touristy, but you get to see pretty boats, lounging seals, and lots of restaurants.

Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, Facebook tour — free

We drove up north and checked out Muir Woods, stopping at the Golden Gate Bridge. I wish we had time to visit a different spot to see it a bit better, but we did get to walk along the bridge, which was very cool!

Did she say Facebook? Yes, yes, I did! My friend, Brady works at Facebook and offered to show us around the campus and headquarters. It was awesome. Unfortunately, there were many secret things so we were advised not to take too many pictures. I did get one of the streets inside Facebook!

Pro-tip:  If you do this road trip, you’ll also see redwood trees in Big Sur. Muir Woods was unique because the redwood trees were massive. It was worth a visit all in itself.

Route 1 to LA

Hearst Castle  — $25

We thought about going up to Napa, which would have been fun, but we realized that if we did that we would need to take a day away from San Francisco because of time. We decided to take the long drive back and make a stop at  Hearst Castle  instead. This is something I didn’t find on the web when researching, but I was so glad we changed our plans and stopped here!

The owner was a newspaper owner and a huge fan of Hollywood. He had multiple mansions built in addition to his castle that many famous people came to visit on weekends. There was even a zoo filled with exotic animals and rare plants. The castle is amazing! It was such a fun place to visit and has a beautiful view.

Pro-tip : The castle is located right off Route 1, but you have to buy timed tickets. You can buy tickets ahead of time or you can buy them the day of. We bought day-of tickets and it ended up being fine, but we did try to stop on the way to San Francisco and all times were full. Plan ahead if you have a schedule to keep!

On the way back to Los Angeles, you’ll be passing an entire winery region in the  Central California Coast.  I’d honestly recommend extending your trip and staying here longer if at all possible! It’s so beautiful and has some really amazing wineries. I have a lot of suggestions, but if you only have a day on your drive for a quick stop, I’d choose somewhere in San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara as a stop. You can also extend your trip by heading up to Napa Valley from San Fransisco.

One of my favorite things about this trip is how many different friends and family I got to see. We ended our trip with dinner with my friend Ricardo who was in grad school at the time. So good to see old friends! Also—can you tell how tired I was?! It was a long day of driving back from San Francisco.

Travel Home

We woke up and headed to the airport. This was a whirlwind of a quick tour of the California coast.

Have you done any good road trips? Done a 7-day Calfornia road trip itinerary? I would love to hear about other people’s adventures, too!

This 7-day California road trip itinerary will not disappoint! I know you’ll love your trip no matter what route you choose to take. It’s always an incredible adventure when you take a road trip.

Ideas to Extend your Trip

• Spend time on  California’s Central Coast  checking out the wineries!
• Head to  Joshua Tree  for a few days
• Spend a  day on Catalina Island
• Consider heading further north on a  San Francisco to Seattle road trip  or spend even more time doing a  two-week trip of the West!

Related posts

Joshua Tree Itinerary: How to See Joshua Tree in Two Days

Amazing Road Trip from DC to Niagara Falls

1 Week Road Trip in the USA: Epic Ideas for Your Trip

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The Perfect 5 Days in Southern California Road Trip Itinerary

Looking for the perfect 5 Days in Southern California itinerary? We have you covered. The sublime weather, striking beach fronts, and family-friendly attractions make Southern California a dream destination full of crowd-pleasing stops.

However, Southern California is also a state of extremes: the geography ranges from mountains to beaches, to sprawling urban centers. Streamlining your time for a perfect vacation may turn into a challenging task with so much to do.

No need to worry about a decision lock, though, because we have got you covered. With this itinerary, you can make the most of 5 days in Southern California.

We have got you covered with these 5 days in Southern California itinerary from national parks to star-lit rooftop dining. There are so many incredible places to see in Southern California , we will help you narrow down your trip so you don’t have to make the tough decisions on where to go!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links meaning if you book or purchase using our links we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!

5 Days in Southern California Itinerary

Before You Go

Here is a meticulously planned five days in Southern California Itinerary for your next big getaway, but first you need to rent a car. We recommend renting a car with Expedia in advance! 

Also, if you don’t already have travel insurance, you will want to get travel insurance! You never know what can happen, I had to use my travel insurance on a trip when I had to be hospitalized for food poisoning! The bill would have been nearly $7,000 had I not had coverage!

Southern California Itinerary Day 1 – Los Angeles

Ok, now to start your adventure and 5 days in Southern California! Despite the cliche, no Southern Californian road trip can be complete without a stop at Los Angeles, the city of angels.

It is a star-studded city ideal for long drives, with its wide roads and scenic views.

For lovers of a comfortable pace, varied culinary experience, and picturesque hikes, this is a must-visit place to get the thrill of a lifetime.

What to Do:

There’s a lot of activities that you can partake in to check off the items from your 5 Days in Southern California itinerary.

Since you have the whole day here, you can easily check-off every single one of these activities or explore some of the other best things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

Take a walk on the wild side at Hollywood Boulevard . This world-famous boulevard has the iconic Walk of Fame, and the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, one of the spots displaying celebrities’ handprints and footprints in a 15 block area of over 2,500 stars!

Visit LACMA , The Los Angeles County Museum of Art . This museum features over 150,000 works from all eras of American art and history. For only $25, you can take a stroll through the past and witness the origins of the American Dream plus the famous art installations outside!

Do the Hollywood Sign Hike for the best photos. No trip to LA is complete without an up-close and personal view of the Hollywood Sign. The sign is a symbol of the American film industry’s art and glamour. The trails that go up to the sign are the Cahuenga Peak Trail, the Mt. Hollywood Trail, and the Brush Canyon Trail.

Look around The Last Bookstore . This titanic book store is like something out of a movie. It has an impressive collection of books, records, and art displays. Scan the bookshelves and immerse yourself in a world of art and literature.

Have a beach day. There is nothing better than basking under the sun of the notorious sunshine state on its pristine beaches. Some of the most popular beaches of LA are Santa Monica Beach , Venice Beach , and further south in Orange County, Huntington Beach. Or check out our guide to the best beaches in Los Angeles for more ideas.

Take a look at the Getty Museum . The Getty is an arts museum with an artifacts collection that ranges from mid-century paintings, scroll-like manuscripts, and contemporary art. And the best part about it? Admission is completely free and also gets you access to the Getty Center , not to be confused with the museum, which offers some of the best views of Los Angeles !

Have a fun afternoon or early evening hike – If you’re looking for a connection to nature, LA’s myriad hiking trails are perfect for you. Echo Mountain is the longest and most challenging trail, whereas Baldwin Hills and Charlie Turner Trail is a common choice for tourists.

Don’t miss out on the Le Brea Tar Pits . These are asphalt pits dating back tens of thousands of years

Los Angeles has countless food options across many different cuisines. I recommend you check out Sugarfish for some of the best sushi platters. Another fan-favorite is the Butcher’s Daughter which offers a full plant-based menu.

Where to Stay

• Comfort Inn Los Angeles – Just like the city, this space is chill, easy-going, and tourist-friendly. The hotel is a great budget-friendly option.
• Freehand Los Angeles – The Freehand offers the complete Hollywood glamor. Enjoy a luxurious stay with full access to a rooftop bar and a gorgeous pool overlooking the city.

Here’s a pro-tip: remember that Los Angeles traffic is heavy, and places in the city are far away from each other. One of the best places to base at is Santa Monica as there’s so much to do here from being right on the ocean to all the attractions, shopping, and dining available here.

If you’re taking the highway, the traffic will add to your driving time. So plan accordingly.

Southern California Itinerary Day 2 – Joshua Tree National Park

Day 2 into our 5 days in Southern California Itinerary, we visit one of the most illustrious National Parks in Southern California.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a fantastic recluse option for your 5 Days in Southern California itinerary. This national park has some of the most breathtaking topography out of all the states.

Whether you want to escape the busy cities or take pictures of the martian landscape, this is just the place for you. Be sure to check out this full guide on things to do in Joshua Tree to help you plan this stop on your Southern California itinerary. And also check out our favorite stops on the Los Angeles to Joshua Tree drive !

Try your hand at Antiquing and Thrifting. Get your fix of eclectic and vintage shopping at the numerous boutiques dotting the area!

Have an adventure at one of the thousands of Rock climbing routes. Joshua Tree Park is a treasure for rock climbers. You can also sign up for a training class or a warm-up session at Joshua Tree’s Rock Climbing School. They have a friendly and qualified staff that will guide you according to your level and experience.

If not, we recommend driving around the park and enjoying the short hikes!

Indulge in the thematic Pioneertown. This was built in the 1940s as a realistic Wild West movie set. It was then refurbished as a tourist site meaning you can roam its roads and immerse yourself in the old Western experience.

The Coyote House is a luxurious getaway is located halfway between Pioneertown and Joshua Tree. Its hospitable staff will make you feel at home.

Also, be sure to check out the best Airbnb in Joshua Tree if you are looking for more of a home away from home!

Southern California Itinerary Day 3 – San Diego

Day 3 of the 5 Days in Southern California Itinerary is jam-packed. We will head back west towards San Diego. It is a short drive of two and a half hours.

San Diego is a place you will fall in love with. With over 100 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder they consider it America’s Finest City and ideal tourist spot. This is the city of friendly locals, fabulous beaches, and delicious food from various cuisines.

Here are some things to check off your  5 Days in Southern California Itinerary:

Be sure to check out some of our guides to San Diego including a full San Diego itinerary you can pick and choose some great ideas from including some of the best things to do in San Diego .

The Gaslamp Quarter has the best of San Diego’s nightlife. Here, you can enjoy one of the biggest club scenes in the city along with its lively music subculture.

Explore the USS Midway Museum – The museum is a historical structure. It used to be a naval aircraft. It is now open to tourists to explore its glorious past. Get your Skip the Line ticket in advance.

Visit historic Coronado where you can admire the giant mansions, visit the famous Hotel del Coronado, and enjoy some of the best beaches on your Southern California itinerary!

Visit the San Diego Zoo – San Diego Zoo is one of the best zoos for exotic animals in the US. The Giant Panda and Rhinoceros are among its most notable exotic animals. Get your San Diego Zoo tickets in advance here .

Try a whale-watching cruise – San Diego is a migratory channel for a lot of whale species. The beautiful creatures grow up to 49 feet long and are incredible to see up close. 

Trek to Point Loma – This peninsula has a lot of significance for American history. You can stroll to the top and enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean horizon from the perfect vantage point.

Visit La Jolla -This gorgeous seaside town is as charming as it is pretty filled with art galleries, restaurants, beaches, hikes, and more. This is also the native habitat of a colony of sea lions. One of the other things to do here is to take a kayaking tour to explore the sea caves and spot a leopard shark among all the other awesome things to do in La Jolla !

Visit Balboa Park for beautiful views and tons of incredible museums and outdoor art installations that are family-friendly and great for photographs. See all the best things to do in Balboa Park .

Head to Old Town San Diego for one of the most historic areas of the city full of great restaurants, historic sites, and cool tours, and haunted houses! See all the best things to do in Old Town San Diego.

• The Lafayette Hotel Swim Club . This colonial-style hotel is a 5-minute drive from the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. It is eco-friendly, with a small pool and an overall homely environment.
• ITH Hostels . ITH Hostels have multiple locations around San Diego. They are budget-friendly, clean, and spacious.
• Be sure to check out our guide for where to stay in San Diego by neighborhood and budget, also be sure to check out these amazing San Diego Airbnb options.

Southern California Itinerary Day 4 – Temecula Valley

As we near the end of our 5 days in Southern California Itinerary, we visit the jewel of the Southern California’s Wine Country. Temecula Valley is just over an hour southeast of the city of Los Angeles, and an easy drive inland from San Diego which makes it a perfect addition to our 5 days in Southern California itinerary.

Enjoy breakfast at the family-owned wineries. These artisanal wineries also offer informal tastings alongside their meals. Check out Baily Vineyard & Winery , Callaway Vineyard & Winery , and Leoness Cellars for a few recommendations!

Take a Hot Air Balloon ride across the vineyard.

Stroll the boardwalks of the historic Old Town District . Visit the museums, boutiques, and theaters dotted along the way.

If you’re feeling lucky, head to Pechanga Resort Casino and try your luck! See our full guide for best things to do in Temecula for more ideas!

• Embassy Suites Hotel Temecula offers a clean and spacious lodge with a gorgeous pool in the heart of wine country.
• Inn at Churon Winery is a beautiful chateau has a splendid view of the vineyards, luxurious interiors, and friendly staff and a great option for a stay during your 5 days in Southern California road trip itinerary.
• If you’d like a home away from home, check out these amazing Temecula Airbnb listings perfect for a base for exploring wine country during your Southern California road trip!

Southern California Itinerary Day 5 – Anaheim

Anaheim is less than an hour drive from Temecula Valley, depending on the traffic, and heading back up towards Los Angeles for the end of your Southern California road trip itinerary. It is famous for its pro sports teams, museums, and, of course, the Disneyland Resort.

This makes for a great stay for children and adults alike. These family travel hacks will help you enjoy your stay, save money and time during your visit.

Visit one of the many theme parks. These include the original Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Park, and the Disney California Adventure Park. The theme parks are a full day commitment, so you won’t be able to hit any of the other places.

Leave Anaheim and drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and visit some of Orange County’s distinctive beach cities. These include Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and Newport Beach .

The Sawdust Art Festival, annually held at Laguna Beach, is the perfect opportunity to dabble with Orange County’s lively art scene.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will give you the feeling of a vintage stay by the city, with easy access to the amusement parks.

More than 5 days in Southern California?

Southern California, with its numerous destinations and enviable topography, is laden with unlimited travel potential. While there are a million different ways in which you can fill your 5 day Southern California Itinerary, it can get dizzying.

The good news is, this Southern California itinerary covers some of the best but if you have more time consider checking out any of these other amazing places!

Laguna Beach  is a gorgeous coastal town with dramatic cliffs, giant homes, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and tons of gorgeous beaches including secret coves . Be sure to read our full guide on the best things to do in Laguna Beach . 

Catalina Island is an amazing day trip or overnight trip from Southern California either in LA or in Orange County in Dana Point or Newport Beach. Read our full guide to the best things to do in Catalina or how to spend a Catalina Island day trip or how to spend a weekend in Catalina .

Ventura is north of Los Angeles and a perfect addition to any Southern California road trip. This beautiful coastal city offers much quieter beaches than in Los Angeles and also has fun day excursions and activities to enjoy. Read our full guide to the best things to do in Ventura for more ideas.

Huntington Beach is Surf City USA and home to an incredible downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of activities! Some of the most famous and  best beaches in Orange County are found here too!

Costa Mesa is home to one of the best foodie scenes in Orange County plus great shopping, nearby beaches at Newport Beach, and a cool art scene. Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Costa Mesa .

Palm Springs is one of the most popular desert getaways and the perfect place to add to your 5 days in Southern California road trip itinerary. From enjoying all the retro vibes to attractions, see our full guide on the best things to do in Palm Springs as well as how to plan a perfect itinerary for a Palm Springs weekend getaway .

Salvation Mountain is another popular attraction that’s an easy add on your 5 days in Southern California road trip itinerary when you’re in San Diego or Temecula, check out this unique spot and see our full guide on what to do around Salvation Mountain to make a day out of it.

Encinitas is another great beach town located in San Diego County with gorgeous state beaches, shopping, botanic gardens, hikes, and everything there is to love about the outdoors and beauty of Southern California. See our entire guide to Encinitas, California to get more ideas.

About the Author

This post was written in collaboration with Kyle from  Via Travelers which is a modern travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to ensure you have an amazing adventure. 

Liked this post on the perfect 5 days in Southern California road trip and Southern California road trip itinerary? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest.

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10-Day California National Park Road Trip Itinerary

• California is home to a variety of national parks, including 9 official national parks and a total of 28 national park units.
• A 10-day road trip through California is a great way to explore the highlights of the state, with stops at Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Pinnacles, Muir Woods, and Point Reyes.
• Each national park offers unique activities and experiences, from hiking and scenic drives to stargazing and exploring ghost towns. Visitors can also enjoy the diverse landscapes of California, from deserts and mountains to the coast.

California is a huge state with a variety of unique landscapes and vibrant cities. There are a number of scenic road trips to take through California , highlighting the coastline, the mountains, and everything in between.

Road trip travelers particularly enjoy visiting California’s national parks, which often mean two different things. When visitors think of national parks, they often jump to the 63 national parks throughout the US , 9 of which are in California. However, the National Park Service actually refers to all the protected areas managed by the NPS as national parks. With this in mind, there are actually 428 national park units in the US , including national monuments, national battlefields, national scenic byways, and national seashores. 28 of these national parks are in the scenic state of California.

While a 10-day national park road trip through California isn’t enough time to see all 28 national park units, or even the 9 national parks in California, it is plenty of time to explore the highlights of this great state. This 10-day California National Park road trip winds through deserts, mountains, and scenic beaches, highlighting many of the most famous landscapes in California. By focusing on the southern and central parts of the state, driving time (which can quickly get out of control in California) is mitigated, leaving more time for scenic stops along the drive.

Related: 10 National Park Road Trips That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Day 1: Los Angeles To Joshua Tree National Park

Driving distance: 131 miles, time to drive: ~2.25 hours.

Los Angeles is one of the easiest starting points for a California road trip, with several international airports and direct access to the first California National Park road trip stop. The first day of the trip allows plenty of time to arrive in the Golden State before heading to Joshua Tree National Park, which is just over two hours away.

Joshua Tree National Park is a true can’t-miss road trip stop. Even those with just an hour or two can enjoy one of the short, easy hikes in Joshua Tree National Park . With so much scenery so close to the roads, Joshua Tree is the perfect first stop on what is sure to be a busy road trip.

About Joshua Tree National Park

• Park Hours: 24/7
• Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle
• Popular Things to Do at Joshua Tree National Park (Day 1): Scenic Drives, Stargazing, Easy Hiking Trails, Scenic Overlooks

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park

Since the first day of the road trip can often be slowed down by flights, check-ins, and car rentals, the scenic part of the adventure may have to wait for day two. Thankfully, whether this is the first or second day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, travelers will have plenty to take in.

In addition to being one of the most scenic places in California, Joshua Tree National Park has a variety of activities to enjoy beyond hiking. Soaking in hot springs and stargazing are popular pastimes in this desert landscape.

Just 20 miles north of the park itself is a truly out-of-this-world experience. The Integratron is an upscale sound bath experience with an extraterrestrial past. Originally built to communicate with aliens, today, guests at the Integratron can enjoy a soothing sensory experience in the heart of the desert. Book well in advance; this place sells out quickly.

• Popular Things to Do at Joshua Tree National Park (Day 2): Hiking, Scenic Drives, Integratron Sound Bath, Stargazing, Hot Springs
• Integratron Fees: Shared Sound Bath from $55/person

The drive from Joshua Tree National Park to Death Valley National Park is about four hours. Those following this itinerary may want to drive to Death Valley National Park on the evening of day two in order to make the most of their day in Death Valley itself.

Day 3: Death Valley National Park

Driving distance: 228 miles, time to drive: ~4 hours.

Death Valley National Park may not have the most inviting name, but there is still something magical about visiting one of the hottest places on the planet . The second destination on a California National Park road trip, Death Valley, straddles the California/Nevada border.

In addition to the unique arid landscape, Death Valley National Park is home to several of the best hikes that lead to ghost towns in the US . With nine different ghost towns in Death Valley National Park , all preserved in the dry air, one could easily fill a day simply exploring the past.

About Death Valley National Park

• Popular Things to Do at Death Valley National Park: Hiking, Biking, Off-roading, Ghost Town Visits, Scenic Drives

Death Valley National Park’s roads were heavily damaged by Hurricane Hilary in August 2023 . As of December 2023, the park is open to visitors, but many of the roads remain closed for repairs. Check the map on the NPS Death Valley National Park website for current road conditions and closures.

Day 4: Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

Driving distance: 302 miles, time to drive: ~5.5 hours.

With two national parks comes twice as much fun. The first day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks involved driving there from Death Valley. Despite how close they look on the map, the roads necessitate a fairly big loop to get from the desert to the forests. As a result, approximately five and a half hours of this day of the California National Park road trip will be spent en route.

Thankfully, both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are worth the effort. Home to the biggest tree in the world, the famous General Sherman (in Sequoia National Park) , these parks are filled with literal giants. After spending the first three days of this road trip in some of the driest parts of California, a couple of days among the giant sequoias is the perfect change of pace.

About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

• Park Hours: 24/7 (both parks)
• Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle (covers both parks)
• Popular Things to Do at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Hiking, Ranger-led Activities, Scenic Walks, General Sherman Viewing, General Grant Viewing

While Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are listed separately, their proximity means that they are easily visited together. Additionally, the $35 entrance fee covers admission to both parks for up to seven consecutive days.

Day 5: Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

While driving is indeed a key part of an epic California National Park road trip, every good vacation needs a couple of days that move a little slower. Having done the drive the day before, day five of this trip is all about truly enjoying the forest.

There are plenty of things to do at both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks , including hiking, biking, taking a guided tour, or hopping back in the car for a scenic drive. Despite being located near the Sierra Nevadas, both parks are fairly mild in their climate, making them an ideal stop, even for a winter road trip through California.

While it comes second to General Sherman, the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park is just as magnificent to look at and frequently less crowded than its slightly bigger brother in Sequoia National Park.

Day 6: Yosemite National Park

Driving distance: 111 miles, time to drive: ~2.5 hours.

A California National Park road trip would not be complete without a couple days in California’s most visited national park. Yosemite National Park is a true spectacle, with towering pines, clear mountain lakes and rivers, and some of the most unusual granite formations in the world.

It takes just over two hours to get from Kings Canyon National Park to Yosemite National Park, leaving plenty of time to enjoy both scheduled days in this spectacular destination. The first day may be perfect for hiking the smaller trails or chasing some of the best waterfalls in Yosemite National Park . As this is a road trip, the scenic drives in Yosemite National Park are another perfect way to spend a day here.

About Yosemite National Park

• Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle
• Popular Things to Do at Yosemite National Park (Day 1): Short Hikes, Scenic Viewing, Waterfall Hikes, Scenic Drives

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Pitching A Tent & Camping In Yosemite National Park

Day 7: Yosemite National Park

Two days may feel like a long time to spend in one place on a short 10-day California National Park road trip, but a quick look around Yosemite National Park proves this place needs the extra time.

The second day in Yosemite National Park is the perfect time to schedule activities that require more advance planning. The Half Dome hikes, for instance, are one of the best hikes in the US and require a permit to complete. Additionally, those road tripping in February can make a reservation to see Yosemite’s famous Firefall .

Even those not interested in these scheduled activities can find plenty to do in and around Yosemite National Park. As part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there are a number of amazing caves to explore near Yosemite National Park . The day’s adventures complete, guests can bundle up in one of the cabins or lodges inside the park grounds (or simply set up a tent!) before starting the final sprint of the California road trip.

• Popular Things to Do at Yosemite National Park (Day 2): Half Dome Hike, Firefall Drive or Hike, Cave Exploration, Ranger Programs, Scenic Drives, Hiking

Day 8: Pinnacles National Park

Driving distance: 173 miles, time to drive: ~3.5 hours.

If Yosemite National Park is the most visited national park in California, Pinnacles National Park may be one of the least visited. Pinnacles National Park is located near the coast of Central California, just three and a half hours from Yosemite.

Here, road trip travelers can marvel at the unique pinnacle rock formations as they hike, bike, and drive through the park. Those watching carefully may also notice some important feathered companions among the rocks. The California Condor, once effectively extinct in the wild, has made a major comeback, largely thanks to the sustainability efforts of US national parks like Pinnacles.

Today, Pinnacles National Park is one of the most important nesting grounds for this endangered bird, proving that this underrated destination deserves a day on the California national park road trip.

About Pinnacles National Park

• Park Hours: 24/7 (East Gate Only)
• Popular Things to Do at Pinnacles National Park: Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Rock Climbing

Due to the fragile nature of the California Condor population, some parts of Pinnacles National Park are closed seasonally to protect nesting grounds. Always follow local signage to help protect these vulnerable animals.

Related: California Condor: Where To See One Of The World's Rarest Birds

Day 9: Muir Woods National Monument

Driving distance: 146 miles, time to drive: ~3 hours.

Along the coast near San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is a serene coastal forest that serves as both an area of protection and research. With only ten days on this California national park road trip, going all the way north to Redwood National and State Parks may be unrealistic, so spending a day in Muir Woods National Monument, which also protects large groves of old-growth coastal redwoods, is a scenic alternative.

Muir Woods is particularly special thanks to its huge variety of hiking trails , ready for visitors of all ability levels. Located just fifteen minutes from San Francisco, one of the must-see stops on a cross-country road trip , travelers can easily spend their second-to-last day in both the wilderness and the big city.

About Muir Woods National Monument

• Park Hours: 8 am - Sunset
• Entrance Fee: $15/person
• Popular Things to Do at Muir Woods National Monument: Hiking, Scenic Drives, Wildlife Watching, Trip to San Francisco

Day 10: Point Reyes National Seashore

Driving distance: 23 miles, time to drive: ~1 hour.

This 10-day California National Park road trip starts in the middle of the desert and ends surrounded by the ocean, a true testament to the huge range of natural landscapes in California.

Point Reyes National Seashore offers some truly picturesque views for the end of the road trip.

Located just an hour from Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco, Point Reyes has both classic sandy beaches to lounge on and crashing rocky shores to hike above. In fact, visitors can easily hike in Point Reyes National Seashore , which features 47 hiking trails, ranging from very easy to hard, so that everyone can explore the California coast in all its glory.

Whether enjoying a full day on the beach or catching one of the many Point Reyes National Seashore park programs , this national park road trip promises to end just as dramatically as it began.

About Point Reyes National Seashore

• Park Hours: 6am - 12am
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Camping Fee: $30/night (1-6 people)
• Popular Things to Do at Point Reyes National Seashore: Hiking, Ranger Walks, Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse , Scenic Drives

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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